The highly publicised Lusikisiki massacre case has once again been postponed, with proceedings now set to resume on 16 May 2025. The Eastern Cape community of Ngobozana Village continues to seek justice following the brutal murder of 18 family members in what has been described as one of the most horrific mass killings in South Africa’s recent history.
The massacre occurred in September 2024, when armed assailants stormed a homestead and opened fire on members of the same extended family. The victims ranged in age and included men, women, and children. The senseless violence shook the small rural village of Lusikisiki and made headlines across the nation.
Currently, six men stand accused in connection with the murders. Their identities have not been officially released due to the sensitivity of the case and ongoing investigations. According to authorities, the suspects were arrested after a thorough investigation involving multiple police units, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks.
Lusikisiki massacre
However, legal proceedings have faced several delays, with the latest stemming from a change in legal representation for most of the accused.
Last week, five of the six accused men appointed new lawyers, a move that has effectively stalled the trial. In court, the newly appointed defence attorneys explained that they only received instructions from their clients in the past week, which has not afforded them enough time to thoroughly review the case files and prepare a defence.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali addressed the delay, stating:
“Now the matter has been postponed to the 16th of May so that the defence may indicate if they are ready to proceed. Because they did in court raise that they received instructions to represent the accused last week, which didn’t give them enough time to prepare, so now the matter is postponed owing to that only.”
Tyali added that once the defence confirms their readiness, the court is expected to determine a formal trial commencement date. It remains unclear whether the May hearing will result in a confirmed trial timeline or if further delays may follow.
This is not the first delay in the Lusikisiki case. Previously, proceedings were adjourned due to ongoing investigations, witness protection arrangements, and the need for further forensic analysis. The emotional and psychological toll on the surviving family members and the wider community has been immense, with many expressing frustration over the slow pace of justice.
The case took a dramatic turn earlier this year when two of the original eight accused, Lwando Abi and Zenande Paya, turned State witnesses. The NPA later confirmed that charges against them were withdrawn in exchange for their cooperation. According to Tyali, the two men played minimal roles in the planning and execution of the massacre but possess crucial information that could assist in linking the remaining accused to the crime.
“The prosecution team decided that two of them should be made Section 204 witnesses, meaning they will be witnesses for the State. Their testimony is expected to be vital in securing convictions,” Tyali explained.
As the nation watches closely, the spotlight remains on the justice system to deliver answers and accountability for one of the worst mass killings in South Africa’s recent memory. While the May court date offers a new opportunity to move the case forward, much depends on whether the new defence team can be ready in time and whether the legal process will now gain the momentum it needs.