KEY POINTS
- Charges were dropped against two Lusikisiki mass murder suspects.
- Six accused remain in custody and face 18 counts of murder.
- The trial has been moved to Mthatha High Court for April 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in court on Monday that prosecutors had withdrawn charges against two persons who had previously been detained in relation to the mass killings in Lusikisiki.
Charges dropped against two Lusikisiki mass murder suspects
The charges against Zenande Paya, 38, and Lwando Abi, 33, were dropped. Eight guys were first accused with the killings of eighteen individuals who were shot dead on September 28, 2024, in two different events. Three males and fifteen women were killed in the attacks.
NPA transfers case to Mthatha High Court for April trial
According to Iol, the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana, who was assassinated in KwaBhaca on August 19, 2024, has also been connected to the six surviving suspects. According to NPA spokeswoman Luxolo Tyali, their case has been moved to the Mthatha High Court and postponed until April 14, 2025.
Songezo Vuma, 20, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, 25, Bonga Hintsa, 31, Mawethu Nomdlembu, 36, and Mzukisi Ndamase, 46, are the defendants.
The bail requests of all six individuals have been withdrawn. They are charged with 18 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition and weapons.
Due to a different murder conviction, the suspected mastermind of the mass killings in Lusikisiki is presently serving a life sentence. According to the prosecution, he was instrumental in planning the assaults.Â
