The trial of eight men accused of murdering 18 people in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, has been postponed to March 10. The trial was initially set to commence on Monday, February 17, at the Lusikisiki Regional Court, but the addition of the eighth accused, Songezo Vuma, 20, in January required further investigations.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Vuma’s inclusion in the case necessitated additional inquiries. Vuma was apprehended on a bus en route to Cape Town on January 5 and made his first appearance in court on January 7. He abandoned his bail application and joined seven other accused:
- Mzukisi Ndamase 46
- Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45
- Aphiwe “AP” Ndende 25
- Lwando Antony Abi 33\
- Bonga Hintsa 31
- Zenande Paya 38
- Mawethu Nomdlembu 36
The eight men face 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The acting Eastern Cape Judge president has assigned a judge to preside over the case, ensuring a speedy trial. The case will be transferred to the Mthatha High Court, which will sit in Lusikisiki.
The massacre occurred on September 28 last year at two neighboring homesteads in Ngobozana village near Lusikisiki, resulting in the deaths of 18 people.
