KEY POINTS
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The trial of six men accused of murdering 18 people in Lusikisiki in September 2024 has been transferred to the Mthatha High Court, with proceedings rescheduled to May 16, 2025.
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The accused face charges including 18 counts of murder, robbery, and illegal firearm possession, and have all abandoned bail applications.
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The National Prosecuting Authority is prepared to proceed with the trial, with hopes for justice for the victims and their families despite delays in the court proceedings.
The murder case of six men accused of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, last year has been moved to the Mthatha High Court, where the suspects made their first appearance on Monday, April 14, 2025.
The case, which was originally heard in the Lusikisiki regional court, was transferred due to its severity and the nature of the charges involved.
The six men, Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25), Bonga Hintsa (31), Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), and Songezo Vuma (20), face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, 18 counts of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to Luxolo Tyali, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the state is ready to proceed with the trial. Tyali confirmed that the accused men have all abandoned their applications for bail. “The state is fully prepared to proceed with the trial. These men are facing serious charges, including their involvement in the shooting incident that occurred on September 28, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people,” Tyali stated.
The tragic shooting took place at two neighboring homesteads in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki. In addition to the massacre, the accused are also linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana, who was killed in KwaBhaca on August 19, 2024.
Sowetanlive reports that these two incidents have drawn significant attention to the trial, making it a critical case in the region.
The defense requested additional time to prepare, and as a result, the court has scheduled the next hearing for May 16, 2025. The defense will need to indicate whether they are ready to proceed at that time.
The charges against the accused have sparked widespread public outrage, as the massacre in Lusikisiki remains one of the most heinous acts of violence in the region in recent years.
The case has been closely followed by the local community, and the delays in the proceedings have raised concerns about the efficiency of the judicial system in handling high-profile criminal cases.
Court reschedules proceedings
Despite the delay, the prosecution remains determined to see the case through to a conclusion. The NPA has emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice is served for the victims of the Lusikisiki massacre. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific act face the full extent of the law. The families of the victims deserve justice, and we will continue to fight for it,” said Tyali.
The accused men have not yet entered a plea, but the evidence against them appears strong, with forensic details and witness testimonies expected to play a crucial role in the trial.
The case has raised awareness of the broader issues of crime and violence in the Eastern Cape, prompting calls for greater efforts to tackle organised crime and improve security in the region.
As the case progresses, there is hope that the trial will bring closure to the families of the victims, who continue to seek justice for the tragic loss of their loved ones. With the next court appearance set for May 16, 2025, the trial of the Lusikisiki murder case is expected to move forward with greater focus on ensuring that justice is done.
