Sections This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers Eastern Cape police have arrested the last suspect being sought for the mass murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki in September says the man was arrested by members of the provincial serious and violent crime investigation unit on Sunday in Qonce She said the 20-year-old man was arrested after police searched a bus heading to Cape Town Mawisa said he will be charged along with his seven co-accused and will appear in court soon took place in September when gunmen mowed down mostly women in two homesteads in the Lusikisiki area who described the murders as a devastating loss to the province The latest arrest brings to eight the number of suspects arrested for the grisly attack in which the victims were reportedly mowed down with automatic weapons Mzukisi Ndamase (46) was taken into custody from a Correctional Centre where he is serving a life sentence for murder and robbery The other co-accused are Siphosoxolo Myekethe an exclusive podcast on the life of Vicki Terblanche Dive into the expansive world of motoring with Naresh Maharaj Join Mark Marshall as he shares his extraordinary encounters with everything from bees to reptiles i A 45-year-old man suspected of the murder of 18 people in the Eastern Cape has abandoned his bail application in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape.Siphosoxolo Myekethe – who was on parole during his arrest – appeared in the court on Tuesday. “During his brief appearance he informed the court that he would not be applying for bail which the prosecution had already indicated it would be opposing. “Myekethe has two previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody and murder,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson said.Tyali said the case has been postponed to 26 November 2024 for further investigation as “there are outstanding suspects on the matter”. “He is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm an AK47 assault rifle. “The accused was arrested on 7 October 2024 at his home in Mthide location.. “His arrest comes after the shooting that occurred on 28 September 2024 at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village near the town of Lusikisiki and five others were injured,” Tyali said. Cabinet has condemned the mass shooting and welcomed the progress made in the case President Cyril Ramaphosa  had previously also conveyed his condolences to the families of the 18 people killed last month General Enquiries newsfiles@gcis.gov.za Tel: 012 473 0213Editor Roze Britz roze@gcis.gov.za News Editor Janine Arcangeli janine@gcis.gov.zaEditor-in-Chief Zanele Mngadizanelemngadi@gcis.gov.za  Tyali said this appeared to be a delaying tactic."Now today, Mr Ndamase seemingly is going to take the same route." AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale MTHATHA - The trial of eight suspects accused of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape is expected to begin The case has been transferred to the High Court in Mthatha The state says it's ready for the trial to begin WATCH: Outstanding investigations delay Lusikisiki massacre case The accused face murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition charges. 18 people were killed, most of them women, in the attacks last September. The victims' families are demanding justice for their loved ones. This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers. The state is ready for trial in the case against six men accused of murdering 18 people in Lusikisiki in September last year. The accused — Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25), Bonga Hintsa (31), Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), and Songezo Vuma (20), made their first appearance in the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Mthatha, on Monday. Their matter was transferred from the Lusikisiki Regional Court and postponed to 16 May 2025 so that the defence can confirm whether they are ready to proceed with the trial. According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the six men face a string of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, 18 counts of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. The charges relate to a mass shooting on 28 September 2024, when gunmen opened fire at two neighbouring homes in Ngobozana Village, near Lusikisiki, killing 18 people. The accused have also been linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana, who was shot and killed in KwaBhaca on 19 August 2024. All six men remain in custody after abandoning their bail applications. Journey to Justice, an exclusive podcast on the life of Vicki Terblanche, a slain Gqeberha mother. Dive into the expansive world of motoring with Naresh Maharaj. DURBAN - The first accused in the Lusikisiki Massacre court matter has made various requests to the State to represent himself during trial because he believes a lawyer will not do him justice Mzukisi Ndimande is the alleged mastermind behind the mass murder that sent shockwaves countrywide ALSO READ: Lusikisiki massacre case adjourned to 16 May On Monday, he appeared with his five co-accused in the Mthatha High Court in the Eastern Cape. When proceedings resumed, the alleged hit organiser, Ndamase, who is already serving a jail term for murder, voiced a list of concerns. He has requested that he be transported from the high maximum-security prison, Ebhongweni in KwaZulu-Natal, to Wellington in the Western Cape. He says this is to ensure he can meet and consult some of his witnesses. Ndamase also asked to be granted more time to use the telephone instead of the 10 minutes granted to them only on weekends. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, says the requests are unwarranted. "All the objections he has been making were not warranted in the court of law, but then he is within his rights." Meanwhile, Judge Den Ngoqo has highlighted that some of the requests made are outside his jurisdiction, but says he will ensure his rights are protected. EASTERN CAPE - The pre-trial of six men accused in connection with the Lusikisiki massacre resumes at the High Court in Mthatha The mass shooting in Ngobozana Village sent shock waves across the country WATCH | Lusikisiki massacre allegedly orchestrated from behind bars Eighteen people were killed and five others were injured. The accused face charges of murder and possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that charges against two of the eight men initially implicated in the Lusikisiki mass murders, in which 18 people were shot dead, has been withdrawn.   The remaining six, namely Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25), Bonga Hintsa (31),  Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), and Songezo Vuma (20), who have all since abandoned bail.  The face a string of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, 18 charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. They appeared in court on Monday with the case remanded until the 14th of April 2025. The mass shooting, which shocked the country, took place in September when gunmen mowed down mostly women in two homesteads in the Lusikisiki area. The incident was widely condemned, including by Eastern Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, who described the murders as a devastating loss to the province. They have also been linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana in KwaBhaca on 19 August 2024. The case has been moved to the Mthatha High Court. CAPE TOWN - The fifth and final suspect in the Lusikisiki massacre has been arrested Eastern Cape police said the 20-year-old was traced to a bus in Qonce while he was on the way to Cape Town on Sunday The arrest follows the capture of four other suspects three of which were apprehended at a house in Port Shepstone in October last year The fourth suspect handed himself over to authorities The group is believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of 18 family members at two homes in Nyathi village, Ngobozana, in September. Eastern Cape Police Spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa said the 20-year-old wouldappear in the Lusikisiki Magistrates Court on Monday. "When searching the bus, they found the 20-year-old male who was the only outstanding suspect in the Lusikisiki mass shooting. He was immediately arrested and will be charged accordingly." E.CAPE - The Lusikisiki massacre pre-trial conference is expected to get underway on Monday Six men are accused of shooting and killing 18 people in Ngobozana village READ: Outstanding investigations delay Lusikisiki massacre case The accused face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition , and kidnapping. eNCA reporter Ronald Masinda has the details.  DURBAN - The case of the Lusikisiki massacre has been adjourned until 16 May 2025 with the initial trial date to be determined Six men stand accused of the mass murder that killed 18 relatives in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki in September last year ALSO READ: Families of Lusikisiki massacre victims hoping for justice to prevail Five of the accused appointed new lawyers just a week ago, and they’ve told the court they still need to familiarise themselves with the case. NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said, "Now the matter has been postponed to the 16th of May so that the defence may indicate if they are ready to proceed. Because they did in court raise that they received instructions to represent the accused last week, which didn't give them enough time to prepare, so now the matter is postponed owing to that only. LUSIKISIKI - The families of the Lusikisiki massacre victims in the Eastern Cape are hopeful that justice will prevail as they continue to seek answers for their loved one’s brutal deaths 18 relatives were gunned down in Ngobozana village Eight men believed to be behind the mass murder appeared in the Lusikisiki Regional Court on Monday and will return in March as final investigations continue said their hope was that the upcoming trial on the matter would give them closure "Our expectation is that we would at least have an idea who shot who as the case unfolds we would like justice to be served for our loved ones." The 8 men accused of killing 18 relatives at Ngobazana village here in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape back in September 2024, returned to the Lusikisiki Regional Court today, they face 18 counts of murder, unlawful possession firearms and ammunition. @_NMabaso pic.twitter.com/8bTVtyXs8R The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says a man arrested in connection with the murder of 18 people in the Eastern Cape was currently out on parole for murder while the massacre took place.The man made a first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday which left five others injured.“Siphosoxolo Myekethe is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm the accused elected to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney and expressed his intention to exercise his right to apply for bail. “The prosecution will be opposing bail against the alleged murderer who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder He is currently out on parole for murder,” NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said in a statement.Myekethe is expected back in court later this month.“The case has been remanded to 15 October 2024 a report from the Correctional Services Department regarding his parole status and possible bail application,” Tyali said.President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who expressed his condolences to the families of the 18 people tragically killed in last month’s mass shooting n Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki.The President also extended his sympathies to the survivors of the two separate attacks which took place on the same street and predominantly claimed the lives of women.At the time President Ramaphosa assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice. Earlier this week the SAPS said investigations into the killing of the 18 were at “an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 18 family members and relatives in Lusikisiki last week”.A multi-disciplinary team and detectives from specialised operational environments has been on the ground since last week and significant progress has been made.“To date the joint provincial and national teams are working around the clock to apprehend the wanted suspects and to maintain law and order in the affected areas." – SAnews.gov.za JOHANNESBURG - A 20-year-old man is the latest suspect to be arrested in connection with the mass shooting in Lusikisiki Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit members arrested him on Sunday afternoon says officers tracked down and searched a bus en route to Cape Town at the King William's Town bus station The suspect is expected to be charged accordingly and will appear in court soon Seven other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting They are charged with 18 charges of murder and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition Six men who are accused of killing 18 people in Ngobozana and Songezo Vuma are all charged with 18 counts of murder unlawful possession of prohibited firearms unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition The men remain the primary suspects in the murder following the state’s decision to drop charges against Zenande Paya and Lwando Abi The pair was initially accused with the six men who remain suspects a 46-year-old convicted murderer who is thought to have planned the crime while incarcerated for life at Kokstad Ndamase had his wrists and feet tied when he entered the courtroom he requested to represent himself in court and stated that he wanted his hands freed so he could take notes throughout the proceedings the judge shot down the request due to safety concerns “They are charged with the shooting that occurred on 28 September 2024 at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village near the town of Lusikisiki where 18 people were killed,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali They were arrested at different locations after the law enforcement authorities launched a manhunt and distributed the suspects’ pictures in the media and social networks The 18 victims were killed during the preparation of umombulo This ceremony is an IsiXhosa custom that signifies the conclusion of a period of mourning The accused have also been linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana in KwaBhaca [formerly known as Mount Frere] on August 19 The matter has since been transferred to the high court in Mthatha that will be sitting in Lusikisiki magistrate’s court on April 14 Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za EASTERN CAPE - Eight suspects linked to the Lusikisiki massacre return to court today Eighteen people were killed when armed gunmen opened fire in Ngobozana village last September READ: Another suspect arrested in connection with Lusikisiki deadly shooting including murder and possession of illegal firearms Lusikisiki murder accused Siphosoxolo Myekethe abandons bail bid.  Eastern Cape - The state is almost ready to commence with the Lusikisiki massacre trial Eight men are charged with the murder of eighteen people in Ngobozana Village They appeared in court together for the first time The prosecutor told the Magistrate a few loose ends need to be tied up before the matter can be referred to the regional court for trial READ: Lusikisiki massacre allegedly orchestrated from behind bars possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition charges related to the incident last September eNCA’s Siphamandla Goge was in court and filed this report The Lusikisiki massacre trial that was scheduled to begin on Monday has been postponed This follows a brief court appearance by the eight men who are suspected of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki in September 2024 The case has also been transferred to the Mthatha High Court According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a judge has been made available by the Eastern Cape judge president to preside over the case NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case had additional enquiries when the eighth man Vuma was arrested on a bus on his way to Cape Town on January 5 and made his first court appearance on January 7 and the matter was transferred to the Lusikisiki regional court “He joined Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45) “They are all facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” said Tyali The NPA revealed that Paya and Nomdlembu were arrested in Flagstaff on October 17 They were in possession of four rifles and ammunition that were allegedly moved to other locations after the shooting on September 28 while Abi was apprehended in East London on October 16 Their arrests came after the shooting that occurred on September 28 at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village near Lusikisiki The massacre is believed to have been planned by Ndamase one of the defendants who has been incarcerated since 2007 for murder He contended with the court that he was unable to orchestrate the murders because he was in jail serving his term Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content  Fundudzi Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy. DURBAN - The arrest of an eighth suspect in the Lusikisiki massacre case has led to more delays to the start of the trial The group of men accused of killing 18 relatives in the Ngobozana village last year returned to Lusikisiki regional court on Monday A way forward for the trial commencement was meant to be determined proceedings focused on Songezo Vuma who was the outstanding accused in the matter - Lusikisiki massacre one of the most tragic crime incidents of 2024 – Mchunu - Lusikisiki mass shooting leaves SA in shock During the last proceedings in this mass murder case, the state said it was ready to prosecute the group of accused murderers.   However, this has now changed due to the arrest of accused 8, Vuma.   "Your worship the arrest of accused 8 has, for a lack of a better word thrown the spanner in the works. Now because there are now investigations that relate to him that needed to be conducted and concluded," said state prosecutor, Nkululeko Mathenjwa. He said while some of the outstanding investigations are of a technical nature, they will be prioritised so the state can prosecute all of the accused at once.    The matter has been postponed to the 10 March. LUSIKISIKI - The seven men accused of the Lusikisiki massacre will return to court on Tuesday.   The group is linked to the killing of 18 people, who were shot dead at Ngobozana village in Eastern Cape back in September.   They are facing 18 murder counts linked to the mass killing, while some also face charges of being found in possession of illegal firearms believed to have been used in the killing.   The seven accused linked to the brutal mass killing of the 18 Lusikisiki victims will be appearing in court together for the first time on Tuesday.   The alleged orchestrator, Mzukisi Ndamase, will join his co-accused, Siphoxolo Mayekethe, Aphiwe Ndende, Lwando Abi, Bonga Hintsa, Zanande Paya and Mawethu Nomdlwembu in the dock at the Lusikisiki Magistrates Court.   Ndamase, who is already serving time for murder and robbery, was identified as the mastermind behind the killings.   Meanwhile, Paya and Nomdlwembu were arrested with several firearms in Flagstaff, some kilometres away from the deadly crime scene.   All the accused have abandoned their bail bids. Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape where a mass shooting took place on Friday DURBAN - The last suspect in the case of the Lusikisiki massacre in Eastern Cape will make his first court appearance on Tuesday Police in the province arrested the suspect who has been at large since the massacre occurred in September 2024 Eighteen people were shot execution-style at Ngobozana Village while gathering to attend a family ceremony Seven men have already been charged for the killing just weeks after the killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki police revealed the identities of the men linked to the mass shooting only Songezo Mashiya Vuma remained at large his attempt to defeat the ends of justice ended as he was nabbed on a bus travelling to Cape Town Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has lauded law enforcement agencies for his arrest. “As provincial government, we will continue working with our SAPS [South African Police Service] team and all law enforcement agencies to ensure that this province comes back to where it’s known to be.”   Vuma will face 18 counts of murder alongside his co-accused. Please check your email and enter your one time pin below:   Open in Gmail Sorry there was an error loading the audio In a shocking attack on two houses in Nyathi village 17 people were gunned down while they were The shooting happened as families and neighbours had gathered to mark the end of their mourning period after a mother and daughter were murdered in the same village.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads A five-year-old child is believed to be among the victims Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Saturday morning that in the one house One person survived the shooting but was in a critical condition in hospital ANC provincial head of communication Gift Nqondi said in a statement on Saturday that the assailants entered the house and shot and killed the family members Scenes from a mass shooting at Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape late on Friday Seventeen people were murdered in the attack “We condemn this barbaric act with the contempt it deserves saddening and unconscionable that such a horrific and callous act be meted out to defenceless women and children We call upon law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to apprehend these heartless criminals who killed innocent souls “We further call on community members to assist law enforcement to trace these murderers and (so that the) perpetrators of these gutless and wicked acts are brought to justice. The full might of the law must be demonstrated to ensure justice for the victims and their families.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently visiting Gqeberha to brief communities on the Police’s plan to fight crime, is expected to have a briefing on the murders at 1 pm, Mathe said. Scenes from a mass shooting at Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape late on Friday. Seventeen people were murdered in the attack. (Screengrab: SAPS) Mchunu and the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola are currently briefing Gqeberha communities on the signing of an agreement with the Eastern Cape provincial government and the Nelson Mandela Bay metro to fight crime together. The shootings come as police were busy with a series of disruptive and intense operations in the province where crime, kidnapping and extortion is rife. DM Update on Sunday September 29, 2024 at 3.45pm: Eastern Cape SAPS confirmed that an eighteenth victim passed away at the hospital on Sunday. ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has described the Lusikiki mass shooting as one of the most tragic crime incidents of the year. In September, 18 people were tragically shot and killed by a group of men in a rural area in the Eastern Cape. The shootings occurred at two separate homes on the same street, just moments apart. Reflecting on the year that was, Mchunu said that the Lusikiki mass shooting had prompted the police to seek ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. "I don't think we are going to see worse, especially of this nature. It shocks people, including in the police fraternity. At the same time, it opens a door for police to increase their alertness and action of crimes of this nature." LUSIKISIKI - Some community members in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape suspect a family feud could be the reason behind the recent massacre. Eighteen people were shot dead at the weekened. It's been three days since the mass murder took place in Ngobozana village, and police are still trying to determine the motive.   Most community members have chosen to remain silent on the matter, citing safety concerns. However, some have told Eyewitness News that they suspect a family feud. The Lusikisiki massacre is not the first deadly shooting incident linked to one of the three affected families.   Just last year, two people were shot and killed at the Sinqina residence where five people were killed on Saturday. A community member living nearby, who cannot be named for her safety told Eyewitness News the recent killings could be connected to the previous one.   “This is a family matter; this probably has roots that people don’t know. The fact that it happened during a family gathering. It’s someone within the family.” Meanwhile, a religious leader - Bishop Mbuyiselo Mkhumla of the United Methodist Church - also caught wind that the massacre could be due to a rift among family members. “Actually I’ve spoken to three family members trying to find out what has happened, they said they suspect that probably there is a quarrel within the family - now there is a revenge of some sort.” The national South African Police Service management is due to meet the familie. EASTERN CAPE - The 8th suspect arrested in connection with the deadly mass shooting in Lusikisiki The 20-year-old was nabbed on on a bus on Sunday at the King William's Town bus station en route to Cape Town.   Seven other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the massacre. They're charged with 18 counts of murder and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. DURBAN - Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has lauded law enforcement agencies in the province for arresting the last suspect linked to the Lusikisiki massacre Eighteen relatives were shot and killed in Ngobozana village in the rural area last year and police arrested seven suspects READ: Last Lusikisiki massacre suspect arrested The last and remaining suspect at large was nabbed in Qonce and appeared before the Lusikisiki Magistrates Court on Monday. "I want to appreciate the work done by our law enforcement agencies, for their tireless effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensure that justice prevails," said Mabuyane. 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 17 February to 28 February 2025. the man believed to have orchestrated the Lusikisiki massacre in September where 18 people were murdered in Ngobozana has joined the other six men already charged with the murder He made this appearance on Thursday at the Lusikisiki magistrate’s court in the Eastern Cape Ndamase was considered for parole while serving a life sentence for robbery and murder is now incarcerated in Ebongweni maximum security prison in Kokstad Ndamase chose to defend himself during his appearance and declined to request bail “I do not agree with what the court is saying It is my legal right to choose to represent myself I will face the consequences of the decision to represent myself,” he said They are all facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition The Lusikisiki massacres happened in the Ngobozana village on September 28 Paya and Nomdlwembu were caught in Flagstaff on October 17 They were found in possession of four firearms and ammunition that had reportedly been transported to other sites Abi was apprehended in East London on October 16 He was nabbed at his home in Mthimde Location Myekethe was out on parole for murder when this crime was committed Their arrest comes after the September shooting at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village 18 people were killed and five others were injured The 18 were killed during the preparation of umombulo The case against all accused has been remanded to November 26 for further investigations Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content The man arrested in connection with the massacre of 18 people in Lusikisiki on 27 September has previous convictions for murder and was out on parole for murder and escaping from custody Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45) is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK-47 assault rifle. He appeared briefly in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 9 October 2024.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the accused was arrested on 7 October 2024 at his home in Mthimde Location Mamfengwini Area in the district of Lusikisiki He said he wanted a Legal Aid attorney and to apply for bail Tyali said the investigating team and prosecutors do not yet have Myekethe’s full criminal profile which would set out his previous convictions and they will only have it ready by his next court appearance National Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said they saw the name on the media statement issued by the NPA “He [Myekethe] is in our records as a parolee,” Nxumalo said we are looking into our records and working closely with the investigating team assigned to the case.” Asked if they would withdraw his parole, Nxumalo said: “We have standard procedures for dealing with parolees charged with criminal cases. Such procedures will be followed… it is important that we are furnished with relevant information so that we are able to finalise our processes.”advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Tyali added: “The prosecution will be opposing bail [for] the alleged murderer who has two previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody and murder The case had been remanded to 15 October 2024 for further criminal profiling a report from Correctional Services regarding his parole status Read more: ‘Their silence is talking to us’ – police minister vows to bring Lusikisiki mass murderers to justice Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene described the arrest as a major breakthrough and commended the collaborative effort by various law enforcement units “Police will make every effort to ensure that all those responsible for the shooting are brought to justice,” Mene said 27 September 2024 gunmen gained access to two houses in Ngobozana Village and gunned down 17 residents The motive for the attack is not yet known Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the gunmen “took their time” and used different firearms to kill the people in the houses Read more: ‘Everyone was home for ceremony’ – 18th victim dies in Lusikisiki mass shooting Fifteen women and three men died in the attack Life in prison with no option of parole – and that’s just for illegal possession of an assault rifle That he’s a convicted murderer to boot should see him never released into public again Mzukisi Ndamase (46) is kept in South Africa’s “Supermax” prison in Kokstad but it is alleged that he had been able to plan and execute the murders of 18 people in Lusikisiki The victims, all members of an extended family, were home for a traditional ceremony and sleeping when men broke into their home and killed 18 people. advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads The family home where 17 people were brutally murdered (the 18th victim later died in hospital) there were bloodstained walls pockmarked with bullet holes where he is serving a life sentence for murder and robbery He scowled and declined legal representation on Thursday heavily shackled and guarded by armed police officers and Correctional Services officials He also declined an opportunity to apply for bail The Department of Correctional Services has not yet commented on the allegations that the hit was planned from behind bars Tyali said investigators managed to link Ndamase and his co-accused through their phone records From left: Some of the co-accused in the Lusikisiki massacre: Bonga ‘Rico’ Hintsa Songezo ‘Mashiya’ Vuma and Aphiwe ‘AP’ Ndende The accused currently before the court are: Ndamase who has been in prison since 2007 and is serving time for murder and robbery It is alleged that he was the mastermind behind the brutal attack; Songezo “Mashiya” Vuma (20); Bonga “Rico” Hintsa (31) who has a previous conviction for drug possession in Flagstaff; Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25) who was out on bail on a charge of murder but had absconded from his trial; and Lwando Anthony “Shakes” Abi (31) who previously served seven years of a 10-year sentence for attempted murder The first accused to be arrested was Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45) who was on parole after serving 21 years of a life sentence Read more: Suspected hitman in Lusikisiki mass shooting was released 21 years after receiving life imprisonment Ndende and Hintsa were arrested in Port Shepstone and Abi was apprehended in East London on Wednesday, 16 October 2024.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads A police photographer takes photos of the rifles linked to the massacre The rifles seized by the SAPS in Flagstaff has been linked with the Lusikisiki massacre Two other men were arrested after they were found to be in possession of four firearms ballistically linked to the attack. They are Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36). The firearms are three AK47 assault rifles and a 243 Steyr Mannlicher rifle, as well as 82 live rounds of ammunition.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads The suspects who initially indicated that they would like to apply for bail have subsequently abandoned their bail applications Exploring the motives will almost certainly lead down a very dark social tunnel I think the paroling of convicted murderers need to be looked at as it appears that when some murderers get parole they commit another murder or attempted murder then it must be for the rest of their life with no chance of parole I do not understand why anyone would want to kill 15 women – what is the possible motive And organised from a prison cell – shocking just look at the Bester prison/court debacle… pure insanity…… Shocking indictment of Correctional Services from a prison cell in a Supermax prison a prisoner orchestrated the murder of so many people Bribery and corruption can not be excluded Court order at the centre of controversial evictions as over 250 structures face removal The Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape has defended its decision to demolish more than 250 homes and structures in Lusikisiki and Flagstaff stating that it is acting on a high court order obtained in October 2024 Municipal Manager Velile Makhedama said the action followed years of legal battles and ignored warnings with the municipality taking “every step” to prevent illegal construction on municipal land “The court order was very clear to say everyone who has constructed a structure on municipal land must vacate within ten days,” said Makhedama the municipality is authorised to demolish the structures.” the issue dates back to 2018 when interim court orders were first issued He claims that the municipality issued multiple notices and conducted outreach to residents and traditional leaders some residents proceeded to build homes and businesses—including informal shops and even containers—on land the municipality insists is earmarked for public development and investment “We’ve done our level best to inform and stop people even after being taken to court,” Makhedama added While the municipality says the move is necessary to make space for urban development and to attract investment affected residents argue that they have lived in the area for over seven years The destruction of homes—some of which housed families and micro-enterprises—has left many questioning the municipality’s long-term plans Makhedama explained that the land is under claim and cannot be developed or have title deeds issued until it is cleared of illegal structures The municipality plans to present a redevelopment plan including a “Container City” for hawkers and a formal marketplace does not require the municipality to provide alternative housing for displaced families officials have advised those affected to return to rural homes or RDP houses they may already own “Most of these people have homes elsewhere—they just decided to rent them out and move into town and we’re meeting constantly with the community,” Makhedama said He emphasised that while the process may seem harsh it is intended to restore the dignity of the town and enable structured Meta Title: Ingquza Hill Defends Evictions in Lusikisiki Court Battle Meta Description: The Ingquza Hill Municipality has begun demolishing over 250 structures in Lusikisiki Residents say they were left displaced without options and website in this browser for the next time I comment Add me to your newsletter and keep me updated whenever you publish new blog posts Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" © 2025 Pondoland Times. 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