Lusikisiki massacre: Witness reveals how alleged mastermind broke the law behind bars

LUSIKISIKI - A key witness in the Lusikisiki mass murder case has revealed that accused number one, Mzukisi Ndamase, the alleged mastermind behind the mass killing, was able to commit the crime while behind bars.

The witness was a co-accused in the murder case but turned state witness after making a plea deal with the investigators.

He is currently testifying in the murder trial of the 18 people shot and killed in Lusikisiki in September last year.

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

The witness, who cannot be named for security reasons, is giving testimony under a heavy security presence - including bodyguards assigned to him.

He admitted to being a drug dealer and that he met Ndamase behind bars.

The witness then implicated the accused in a series of criminal elements, most of which were committed while in custody at the Mthatha prison, where he was serving a life sentence for murder.

He told the court they were close and had smoked and eaten together at times.

Adding, he said that he knew Ndamase was powerful and wanted to get protection from him.

He further testified that accused number one had a gang working for him, which would carry out criminal deeds for him.

Proceedings are set to continue with the witness expected to give details about the Ngobozana village mass murder.