Lusikisiki massacre: Witness drops bombshell about alleged killer

LUSIKISIKI - A state witness in the Lusikisiki massacre has revealed that the families of the first accused, Mzukisi Ndamase, and the families of the slain victims were enemies.

The witness, who is related to some of those killed in Ngobozana, told the court that the accused one was his neighbour.

At a previous court appearance, another State witness in the matter told the court that gunmen also demanded the whereabouts of this witness.

The matter is being heard at the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki.

The State witness, who cannot be named for safety reasons, is related to the Mhatu family.

Four members of this family were shot and killed during the attack - this includes the witness’s grandmother.

He told the court that accused 1 - the alleged mastermind, Mzukisi Ndamase is his neighbour.

He says he started speaking to him while in prison in Mthatha.

Ndamase was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and has been in prison for 17 years.

When asked about the relationship between his family and the accused, he said they hated each other because Ndamase’ mother had accused his family of witchcraft.

Proceedings are set to continue.