The suspect linked to the deadly Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape shooting that claimed 18 lives has been out on parole since last year, following his convictions for murder and escaping custody.
Forty-five year old Siphosoxolo Myekethe was arrested on Monday at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini area.
Eastern Cape police commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene said this was a breakthrough for police which will lead to the successful arrest of more people.
“As the police management in the province we are pleased that we were able to arrest a suspect that we could positively link to the Ngobozana village incident where 18 people were killed. The investigation is still ongoing, we are looking for additional suspects, about three, but there might be more,” said Mene.
Myekethe made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicenced firearm, an AK47 assault rifle.
The court heard that Myekethe was previously convicted on charges of escape and murder where he was sentenced to 25 years.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said during the brief appearance, the accused elected to be represented by a legal aid attorney and stated his intention to apply for bail.
“The prosecution will be opposing bail against the alleged murderer, who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder, for which he is out on parole,” said Tyali.
The case was postponed to October 15, for Myekethe’s further criminal profiling, a report from the Correctional Services Department regarding his parole status and possible bail application.
Lusikisiki made shocking headlines after two homesteads were attacked by gunmen who ambushed family members preparing for a traditional ceremony.
Seventeen people died in the hail of bullets and one later in hospital.
Police top brass led by police Minister Senzo Mchunu committed to making arrests.
Meanwhile Mene said one person has been taken in for questioning in connection with another mass killing where six Godini village Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers near Qumbu were killed on Monday, allegedly by stock thieves.
“A person of interest has been taken for questioning. We are hoping that the interrogation will result in a breakthrough also in that case,” she said.
Cape Times