The man accused in the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, has abandoned his bail application. Myekethe made his second appearance at the Lusikisiki Magistrate's Court today, where he is facing 18 charges of murder, five attempted murders and one of being in possession of an unlicensed AK47 firearm. He was out on parole for murder and escaping from lawful custody when he allegedly committed the murders. 

NO REASON FOR ABANDONING BAIL

NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said there was no reason given for Siphosoxolo Myekethe abandoning bail in the Lusikisiki massacre case. "They didn't give any reasons for abandoning bail, but we are glad that they didn't waste the court's time by making that application. He said previous experiences tell them that in high-profile cases, the accused people usually abandons bail when the case has public interest. Once it's quiet and there's no one in court, they make the application. We are going to assure the public that even if that happens, we intend to oppose bail," Luxolo added.

NPA WONT DISCLOSE MORE ON THEIR INVESTIGATIONS

Tyali said he cannot disclose the contents of their investigations in reference to more suspects being arrested. "What we can say is that the police investigation is being guided by the senior public prosecutor who was representing the state in court and he is the one who told the court that they have outstanding suspects. We want the fears of the family to be attended to and complete investigations speedily. Everyone that was involved should be brought to book." The victims were shot during a family gathering in September and the families of the tragic Lusikisiki massacre laid their slain relatives to rest over the weekend. The matter was postponed to November 26 for further investigation and outstanding ballistic test results of an AK47 found in his possession.