Lusikisiki massacre trial gets off to an emotional start

LUSIKISIKI - A State witness struggled to hold back tears as the Lusikisiki massacre trial got underway in the Eastern Cape.

The witness, who cannot be named for safety reasons, is giving evidence in a linked murder case, connecting several of the accused to another killing in KwaBhaca.

Accused 1 to 5 in the Lusikisiki mass murder are also linked to Mncedisi Gijana's murder, which happened in KwaBhaca in August 2024.    
 
When the court proceedings resumed on Thursday, State prosecutor Advocate Nkululeko Mathenjwa called on a witness in a separate case linking some of the accused here, the KwaBhaca murder where Gijana was shot and killed after arriving at his home.

The witness told the court that a group of men armed with rifles had held them hostage before shooting and killing Gijana.

He broke down in tears as he recounted the events of that day.

Gijana was allegedly going to testify against accused 1, Mzukisi Ndamase, the alleged mastermind behind the Lusikisiki mass shooting. Ndamase, who is currently serving a life sentence, was due to get parole on the murder case he had been sentenced for 17 years ago.

The State has positively linked the firearms used in the Gijana matter with those used to carry out the Lusikisiki massacre.  

Court has adjourned for lunch.