Mzukisi Ndamase, who was arrested this morning in connection with the murder of 18 relatives in Lusikisiki, is alleged to have orchestrated the murders. It was also revealed in court today that he is currently serving a life sentence for another murder.

A CONVICTED CRIMINAL

NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Ndamase is currently serving a life sentence for murder and robbery. "He was apprehended from a Correctional Services facility and during his appearance today, Ndamase elected to conduct his defence against the court's persuasions and decided not to apply for bail," Tyali said. He is set to appear again on the 26 November with the other suspects.

PROGRESS

So far, six people have been arrested for the murder. The six accused are murder parolee Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Zenande PaPaya (38), Mawethu Nomdlembu (36) Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25) Lwando Antony Abi (33), and Bonga Hintsa (32). All the above-mentioned accused are facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Tyali explained that 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 murders. 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.