NPA concerned about delays in Lusikisiki massacre trial as alleged mastermind wants to represent himself
Mzukisi Ndamase, the alleged mastermind behind the shooting of 18 relatives in the Eastern Cape village last year, said he does not want a lawyer.
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
LUSIKISIKI - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it was concerned that one of the accused in the Lusikisiki massacre could delay the trial because he wants to represent himself.
Mzukisi Ndamase, the alleged mastermind behind the shooting of 18 relatives in the Eastern Cape village last year, said he does not want a lawyer.
The matter was in the Mthatha High Court for trial processes on Monday but it was adjourned to May for a formal date.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali: "Previous experience with a case that also caught media attention of the Ngcobo Police Station massacre where the accused decided to represent themselves, it proved very tedious in that trial took a long time. They don't understand court processes and the judge had to take them through and it ended taking more then five years."
Tyali said this appeared to be a delaying tactic.
"Now today, Mr Ndamase seemingly is going to take the same route."