The Lusikisiki Tragedy: Arrest Made in Connection with Mass Shooting that Left 18 Dead
Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the Lusikisiki mass shooting that shocked the nation last month. A 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the horrific incident that claimed the lives of 18 family members in the Eastern Cape.
The suspect was apprehended on Thursday, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to seven. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that the suspect will be facing 18 counts of murder related to the Lusikisiki mass shooting.
Court Proceedings and Additional Arrests
The arrested individual is expected to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court for his hearing. This development follows the recent court appearance of two other suspects, Zenande Paya, 38, and Mawethu Nomdlembu, 36, who were found in possession of firearms believed to have been used in the massacre.
Pay and Nomdlembu faced charges of unlawful possession of firearms, including three AK-47 assault rifles and a Steyr 243 rifle, along with ammunition. Their arrest added to the ongoing investigation into the tragic events that unfolded in Ngobozana Village near Lusikisiki.
Previous Court Proceedings and Abandoned Bail Applications
Earlier this month, three other suspects – Aphiwe Ndende, 25, Lwando Anthony Abi, 33, and Bongo Hintsa, 31 – chose to abandon their bail applications in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court. Ndende and Hintsa were arrested in Port Shepstone, KZN, while Abi was apprehended in East London.
The initial accused, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, was also arrested in connection with the mass shooting. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 18 lives and left five others injured in the two neighboring homesteads in Ngobozana Village.
As the investigation continues and more suspects are brought to justice, the community of Lusikisiki seeks closure and justice for the victims of this senseless act of violence.
Additional reporting by Molefe Seeletsa
