LIVE: Trial begins for six men accused in deadly Lusikisiki mass shooting that killed 18

The long-awaited trial of six men accused of one of South Africa’s deadliest mass killings begins on Monday, at the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court.

The case will be heard under a special sitting of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court.

The trial follows the shocking massacre on September 28, 2024, when 18 people were shot and killed at two neighbouring homes in Ngobozana Village, near Lusikisiki.

The accused, Mzukisi Ndamase, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, Bonga Hintsa, Mawethu Nomdlembu, and Songezo Vuma, face serious charges, including 18 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and robbery.

The National Prosecuting Authority says the trial is expected to run for 3 weeks until September 19, 2025.

All six men remain in custody.

One of them, Ndamase, who is already serving a life sentence, is believed to have planned the attack from prison and will represent himself in court.

IOL News