The police have made another breakthrough in the Lusikisiki mass murder case. Another suspect was arrested this morning.
DEVELOPING
The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects to seven, including murder parolee Siphosoxolo Myekethe ( 45) Zenande Paya (38) Mawethu Nomdlembu (36) Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25) Lwando Antony Abi (33) and Bonga Hintsa (32). Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that the 46-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with 18 counts of murder. "He is expected to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate's Court today. Police will provide more details at a later stage," said Mawisa.
ABANDONED BAIL
The other accused who were arrested over the past few weeks remain in police custody after they all abandoned their bail applications. They face 18 counts of murder and were warned they might face life in prison on each charge if they are convicted. They also face one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK-47 assault rifle. On Friday, 27 September 2024, assailants allegedly ambushed two homes in Nyathi village, Ngobozana, Lusikisiki, killing the relatives when they were preparing for a traditional ceremony. The tragic incident occurred as families and neighbours gathered to put an end to the bereaved family's mourning period following the murder of a mother and daughter in the same village.