Lusikisiki massacre: Delays have families concerned trial may take longer than expected

LUSIKISIKI - Disappointed families who lost loved ones in a massacre in Lusikisiki in 2024 are concerned that the trial may take longer than expected, pointing to delays in the matter.

The trial has had daily adjournments since its start on Monday, all due to outstanding matters between the prosecution and defence teams.

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Six men stand accused of planning and carrying out the hit on the 18 people killed in Ngobozana village.

State prosecutor Advocate Nkululeko Mathenjwa led evidence from the first State witness in the matter on Thursday.

In a packed courtroom, the witness, who cannot be named for security reasons, detailed events of the August 2024 night, where his brother was killed.

Families of the victims listened carefully, as they hope to get closure on how their loved ones were also brutally murdered, but mostly, why.

But when it was time for cross-examination, defence lawyers for accused 2 to 6 said the witness statements they had lacked more information, comparing it to the testimony heard.

This called for another postponement.

David King said the families no longer had hope that trial proceedings would continue as set.

"Seemingly, the prosecution team, I could sa,y is not ready because the evidence that was led today, according to the attorneys, does not tally with the evidence they’ve given them."

The matter is expected to resume on Friday morning and is set down until 19 September.