TIMELINE: Lusikisiki mass shooting that left 18 people dead

In a murder that sent shockwaves across South Africa, Eyewitness News traces key events in the Lusikisiki mass shooting, which claimed the lives of 18 people. Six men are on trial for the murders at the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki.

TIMELINE 

28 September 2024 18 people shot and killed in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape 

It's understood that the attacks took place on Friday night in two separate homes at Ngobozana village.  

30 September 2024 Lusikisiki mass shooting: Ramaphosa assures victims' families cops will bring killers to book 

The houses where the 18 people were killed in the Eastern Cape remain locked, with no occupants inside. Members of the Sinqina, Mhatu and Ndleleni families were attacked by gunmen on a Saturday. 

2 October 2024 Senior officials visit Lusikisiki murder scene  

Eastern Cape police increase visibility in Lusikisiki where 18 people were shot and killed.

Lusikisiki mass shooting: Masemola says police determined to find 'these heartless criminals'

9 October 2024 EC police arrest suspect linked to Lusikisiki massacre

Eastern Cape police make one arrest linked to the Lusikisiki massacre.

12 - 13 October 2024 Some Lusikisiki mass shooting victims laid to rest

Families lay to rest their loved ones in different areas at the weekend.

13 October 2024 Final victim of Lusikisiki massacre shooting laid to rest

The last victim of the Lusikisiki massacre is laid to rest.

13 October 2024 Police recover weapons believed to have been used in Lusikisiki massacre, 2 more suspects arrested

Police recover guns believed to have been used in the Lusikisiki massacre, including three AK-47 rifles and a Mannlicher rifle.

26 November 2024 Lusikisiki massacre: Seven accused appear in court for the first time together

The seven men accused of the Lusikisiki massacre appear in court.

6 January 2025 Last Lusikisiki massacre suspect arrested

The fifth and final suspectin the Lusikisiki massacre is arrested. Eastern Cape police said the 20-year-old was traced to a bus in Qonce, while he was on the way to Cape Town.

Lusikisiki massacre: State witness tells court alleged mastermind tried to recruit him to kill a witness

[WATCH] Lusikisiki Massacre trial delayed again as court receives post-mortem results

17 February 2025 Lusikisiki massacre: Trial resumes 

The trial of the eight men accused of the Lusikisiki massacre resumes in the Lusikisiki Regional Court. 

15 April 2025 NPA concerned about delays in Lusikisiki massacre trial as alleged mastermind wants to represent himself 

The National Prosecuting Authority concerned that one of the accused in the Lusikisiki massacre could delay the trial because he wants to represent himself. 

29 July 2025 Lusikisiki mass killings trial postponed as main accused asks for time to review new documents 

The main accused, Mzukisi Ndamase, who's representing himself, asks for more time to review new documents handed over in court. 

31 July 2025 Lusikisiki massacre trial gets off to an emotional start 

A State witness struggles to hold back tears as the Lusikisiki massacre trial gets underway. 

2 of the 8 men linked to Lusikisiki massacre turn State witnesses

6 August 2025 State leads evidence from witness

The Lusikisiki mass murder resumes, with the State leading evidence from a witness.

12 August 2025 Ballistics investigator links guns recovered in Flagstaff to Lusikisiki massacre

A ballistics investigator links firearms recovered in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape to the murder of a businessman from KwaBhaca.

27 August 2025 Witness drops bombshell about alleged killer

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

6 September 2025 Key witness tells court alleged mastermind ordered hits from behind bars

The key witness in the Lusikisiki mass murder trial has implicated six men accused of killing 18 people in Ngobozana Village.

16 September 2025 Witness reveals another mass shooting was planned after Lusikisiki attack

The Mthatha High Court hears that there were plans for another ass murder just hours after the Lusikisiki massacre.

Lusikisiki massacre: State witness says Ndamase called him to fetch gunmen

Lusikisiki massacre: Key witness expands on how accused 1 committed murders while in prison