The trial of seven men charged with the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki is set to be heard in the Lusikisiki Regional Court for two weeks, resuming on February 17 to February 28, 2025.
This was confirmed by the spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, stating that the accused are Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25), Lwando Antony Abi (33), Bonga Hintsa (31), Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36).
He said they are facing 19 counts of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“The 19th murder count is in respect to a separate KwaBhaca case, that has since been linked to the accused. Prosecution furnished the defence attorneys for six accused with docket contents, and transferring the matter from the district to Regional Court. Ndamase who elected to conduct his own defence, will return to count on December 12, 2024, to indicate if he has gone through the docket contents and will be ready with his defence on the set trial date,” said Tyali.
He added that Ndamase, who is alleged to have orchestrated the massacre, was apprehended from inside a Correctional Services facility, where he is currently serving a life sentence plus 15 years sentence for murder and robbery.
According to Tyali, Paya and Nomdlembu were arrested in Flagstaff on October 17, in possession of the four rifles and ammunition that were allegedly moved to other locations after the Lusikisiki killings on September 28, in the Ngobozana village.
“Two of the men, Ndende and Hintsa were arrested in Port Shepstone, while Abi was apprehended in East London, on October 16, 2024, Myekethe was arrested on October 7, 2024, at his home in Mthimde location in the district of Lusikisiki. Their arrests came after the shooting that occurred on September 28, 2024, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village, near the town of Lusikisiki, where 18 people were killed and five others were injured. All accused in this case abandoned bail. The state is ready to proceed with the trail as investigations have been finalised.”
