Lusikisiki shooting suspects in court
|Published
While three suspects have been arrested and a fourth person of interest wanted in connection with the Lusikisiki 18 murders, the families of the victims have appealed for assistance to demolish the houses where the brutal murders took place.
Hundreds of mourners including some Eastern Cape royal houses, residents, families, civil rights organisations and dignitaries from national and provincial government gathered at Lusikisiki College of Education on Sunday for a mass memorial service.
The Ngobozana village was left reeling after the family was almost wiped out when gunmen opened fire last week at two homesteads as their victims prepared for a traditional ceremony.
Majority of those killed were women. According to their obituaries, they left behind parents, spouses, children, grandchildren and siblings.
A moment of cheering filled the tent after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu provided an update on the investigative work done.
“When we left here we said one person was taken in for questioning as a person of interest following the team's investigation.
“The police released him after intensive interrogation. The probe...following this led to three people being arrested and suspects are expected to appear in court (on Monday).
“A manhunt is ongoing for a fourth person of interest; we know his name and surname.
“I need to state that, when the suspects do appear in court, please don't mind the charges. They were charged with what we found but additional charges will be added as the investigation continues. I know people might have questions on how things might not add up but don’t worry as police we know what we are doing. We will also look more into their past activities.
At this stage we are not in a position to pinpoint any motives,” said Mchunu. He described what the shooters did as pure evil as among the survivors of the attack was a two-month baby who will now grow up without a mother.
“We are not here just for the memorial service but to hear further from the community and families about their concerns. As time goes on, we will also (address) all cases in this community; we are committing that arrests will be made.
If criminals don’t want to surrender, we will make them; we will collect all of them,” he added.
A family member said the Sinqina family, which lost loved ones among the 18 killed, want the houses to be demolished.
“The remaining family is requesting that the government assist in demolishing the houses because there is no one who will be willing to reside there again.
“There is also a request for the graves to be excavated. Criminals have taken control of our communities. It is scary, we have been left with pain and wounds that will take a miracle to ever heal.
The first attack was last year where two family members were gunned down in one of the houses for motives we still don’t know.
“Beyond this support of a tent and other things, the greatest support we need is safety,” he said.
Sanco chairperson Sinethemba Rhanana said: “We are pleading with the government that suspects face the law and no longer do as they please. They are brazen, commit heinous crimes and are still walking up and down in our streets. We are still shaken and fearful after what happened.”
Women, youth and persons with disabilities deputy minister, Mapaseka Steve Letsike lamented the level of violence in communities, describing it as appalling.
“Civil society, traditional leaders, government and the private sector, must work together to end gender-based violence. Our faith leaders, during this period, are going to have to raise the bar, and give us a sense of hope, that you’ve always built as part of your work,” said Letsike.
Cape Times