Lusikisiki massacre trial: First accused makes request to represent himself in court
Mzukisi Ndimande is the alleged mastermind behind the mass murder that sent shockwaves countrywide.
The 8 men accused of planning and carrying out the Lusikisiki massacre appeared in the Lusikisiki Regional Court on 17 February 2025. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/EWN
DURBAN - The first accused in the Lusikisiki Massacre court matter has made various requests to the State to represent himself during trial because he believes a lawyer will not do him justice.
Mzukisi Ndimande is the alleged mastermind behind the mass murder that sent shockwaves countrywide.
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On Monday, he appeared with his five co-accused in the Mthatha High Court in the Eastern Cape.
When proceedings resumed, the alleged hit organiser, Ndamase, who is already serving a jail term for murder, voiced a list of concerns.
He has requested that he be transported from the high maximum-security prison, Ebhongweni in KwaZulu-Natal, to Wellington in the Western Cape.
He says this is to ensure he can meet and consult some of his witnesses.
Ndamase also asked to be granted more time to use the telephone instead of the 10 minutes granted to them only on weekends.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, says the requests are unwarranted.
"All the objections he has been making were not warranted in the court of law, but then he is within his rights."
Meanwhile, Judge Den Ngoqo has highlighted that some of the requests made are outside his jurisdiction, but says he will ensure his rights are protected.