The trial of five men from Kariega who allegedly murdered nine people in three incidents nearly three years ago, got underway in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday.
Ludwe Dyantjies (33), Similo Lukwe (29), Lindile Ndamase (36), Luvuyo Madela (29), and Nkosinathi Zonke (34) made a brief appearance on a string of charges including nine counts of murder for crimes allegedly committed in 2022.
They also face two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Eastern Cape Luxolo Tyhali said in a statement, that the five allegedly killed the nine people in three separate incidents in October 2022.
In the first incident, the bodies of four men were discovered inside a car while another was found outside of the vehicle on Mabi Street.
In the second incident, two victims were discovered inside a VW Polo, while the third victim was found outside the vehicle on Zola Nqini Street
And in the third incident the accused allegedly shot and killed Siphosethu Jonas near Rooihoogte, after initially kidnapping him and forcing him to point out the whereabouts of the other deceased individuals.
According to court documents, the accused are charged with the murder of Misumzi Willie, Siyamthanda Vusani, Siyamthanda Spogter, Zukisa Sokhiya, Simnonelele Kama, Lizo Ntantawe, Siphiwo Jackson, Wamkelo Lukashe and Siphosethu Jonas, and the attempted murder of Phillip Gumi.
The case was rolled over to Thursday at the request of the state.
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