By Anita Dangazele
- Two men accused in the Lusikisiki mass murder case have been cleared, but six others still face serious charges, including multiple murders.
- The case has been moved to the Mthatha High Court and will continue in April 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dropped charges against two of the eight men accused of the Lusikisiki mass murders, where 18 people were shot dead.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed: “The state has withdrawn the charges against two men, Lwando Abi (33) and Zenande Paya (38), initially charged along with the six.”
The remaining six—Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25), Bonga Hintsa (31), Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), and Songezo Vuma (20)—have abandoned their bail applications.
They face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, 18 counts of murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and ammunition.
They appeared in court on Monday, and the case has been postponed until 14 April 2025.
The mass shooting in September, which mostly claimed the lives of women, shocked the country.
Gunmen stormed two homesteads in Lusikisiki, leaving devastation in their wake.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane condemned the killings, calling them a tragic loss for the province.
The accused have also been linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana in KwaBhaca on 19 August 2024.
The case has now been moved to the Mthatha High Court.
Pictured above: The men accused of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki during an earlier appearance.
Image source: NPA Eastern Cape Communications
