By Anita Dangazele
- A key witness told the court that armed men killed Mncedisi Gijana in KwaBhaca, linking the murder to the Lusikisiki mass shooting.
- Accused mastermind Mzukisi Ndamase, already serving life, cross-examined the witness but denied any role in Gijana’s killing.
The Lusikisiki massacre trial started in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, and the first state witness struggled to hold back tears.
The witness, who cannot be named for safety reasons, is testifying in a linked murder case. This case connects several of the accused to the killing of Mncedisi Gijana in KwaBhaca in August 2024.
The accused one to five in the Lusikisiki mass murder are also linked to Gijana’s killing. Prosecutor Advocate Nkululeko Mathenjwa called the witness, who said a group of men armed with rifles held them hostage before shooting and killing Gijana.
The witness broke down while describing the attack.
Gijana was said to have been planning to testify against accused number one, Mzukisi Ndamase. Ndamase is accused of being the mastermind behind the Lusikisiki mass shooting. He is already serving a life sentence for another murder and was due for parole after serving 17 years.
The state linked the firearms used in Gijana’s killing to those used in the Lusikisiki massacre.
Ndamase chose to represent himself and cross-examined the witness. He told the court that he had been in prison since 2007 and was not in Mount Frere when Gijana was killed.
Another accused’s lawyer asked for the case to be adjourned until Friday, arguing that the evidence so far was not enough.
The case continues at the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki on Friday.
Pictured above: The men accused of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki and a politician in KwaBhaca in August and September 2024.
Image source: Facebook
