Lusikisiki mass murder alleged mastermind abandons bail

The man alleged to have orchestrated the mass murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape,  Mzukisi Ndamase, has opted not to apply for bail. 

Ndamase, 46,  who is already serving a life sentence for murder and robbery, has joined the other six men already charged with the massacre.

LUSIKISIKI MASS MURDER MASTERMIND ALLEGED OPTS NOT TO APPLY FOR BAIL 

The South African previously reported that two homesteads in the same street in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki, were targeted in the early hours on Saturday, 28 September, leaving 17 people dead. The 18th victim, who was in a critical condition passed away in hospital.

According to the police, the victims were preparing for a traditional ritual to mark the end of mourning for a mother and daughter who were also murdered a year ago.

During his appearance on Thursday,31 October, Ndamase elected to conduct his defence against the court’s persuasions and decided not to apply for bail.  

Ndamase joins Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe Ndende (25), Lwando Antony Abi (33) and Bonga Hintsa (31), Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), who also abandoned bail. They are all facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Eastern Cape Luxolo Tyali said Paya and Nomdlwembu were arrested in Flagstaff on 17 October in possession of the four rifles and ammunition that were allegedly moved to other locations after the mass murder on 28 September in Ngobozana village. 

Two men, Ndende and Hintsa, were arrested in Port Shepstone, while Abi was apprehended in East London on 16 October. Myekethe was arrested on 7 October at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini Area, in the district of Lusikisiki. 

The NPA said Ndamase was apprehended at a Correctional Services facility.

Tyali said the case against all accused has been postponed to 26 November for further investigations.

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