FILE PHOTO
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two of the eight men initially implicated in the Lusikisiki mass murders, in which 18 people were shot dead, has been withdrawn.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.
