Eighth and final suspect arrested in Lusikisiki mass shooting case
Eighth and final suspect arrested in Lusikisiki mass shooting case! The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested the eighth and “final” suspect linked to the mass shooting that occurred in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, in September last year. The horrific attack claimed the lives of 18 family members and left five others injured.
The suspect, a 20-year-old man, was apprehended on Sunday afternoon by officers from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.
Details of the Arrest
The 20-year-old suspect was arrested while attempting to flee the province. According to Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, Eastern Cape police tracked down and searched a bus heading to Cape Town, cornering it at the King William’s Town Bus Station.
“Upon searching the bus, they found the 20-year-old man who was the only outstanding suspect in the Lusikisiki mass shooting. He was immediately arrested and will be charged accordingly,” said Mawisa.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court soon, facing multiple charges, including murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
A Long List of Accused
With this arrest, the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the deadly shooting rises to eight.
The suspects include:
- Mzukisi Ndamase (46)
- Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45)
- Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25)
- Lwando Antony Abi (33)
- Bonga Hintsa (31)
- Zenande Paya (38)
- Mawethu Nomdlembu (36)
The first arrest in the case was made on October 7, 2024, when Siphosoxolo Myekethe was taken into custody at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini Area.
Mass Shooting Incident
The tragic mass shooting unfolded on September 28, 2024, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village, near Lusikisiki. A total of 18 people lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries, including a two-month-old baby who miraculously survived the attack.
The incident left the community reeling and prompted an intensive investigation by law enforcement.
Connections to Other Crimes
During court proceedings in November, it was revealed that the suspects were also linked to the murder of Mncedisi Gijana, a prominent African National Congress (ANC) member in the OR Tambo region of the Eastern Cape.
Gijana, affectionately known as “Sncane,” was ambushed and fatally shot outside his homestead in KwaBhaca on August 19, 2024.
These revelations have further intensified public interest in the case, highlighting the suspects’ alleged involvement in a series of violent crimes.
Legal Proceedings
The seven suspects arrested earlier abandoned their bail applications, and the case was subsequently transferred to the Lusikisiki Regional Court.
The trial is set to take place from February 17 to 28, 2025, where the suspects will face multiple charges, including murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police Response
Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance in providing information that led to the arrest of all eight suspects.
“I have commended the team and applauded them for tirelessly ensuring that those responsible for the Lusikisiki mass shooting are facing the full might of the law,” Mene said.
Mene also acknowledged the relentless efforts of law enforcement officials, who worked tirelessly to track down the suspects and bring them to justice.
A Community Shattered
The Lusikisiki mass shooting has left an indelible mark on the Ngobozana Village community. The tragedy not only claimed 18 lives but also exposed the broader issues of violence and illegal firearm possession in the region.
As the case moves closer to trial, there is hope that justice will be served for the victims and their families. Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to address violent crime and restore a sense of safety to the community.
This latest arrest marks a significant milestone in the investigation and provides a measure of closure for a community still grappling with the aftermath of the horrific events of September 2024.
