Lusikisiki mass murder trial expected to resume

The Lusikisiki massacre trial is expected to resume in the Eastern Cape on Monday as the court prepares to hear more details about how 18 people were shot and killed in the Ngobozana Village more than a year ago.

The six men accused of planning and carrying out the hit are set to return to the dock in the Mthatha High Court, sitting in Lusikisiki.

In 2025, the court heard testimony from various witnesses, including relatives and survivors of the mass killing, as well as crime scene and ballistic experts.

A key witness in the matter is set to take the stand when proceedings resume in the morning.

When proceedings get underway, defence lawyers for accused two to six will cross-examine the key State witness, Lwando Abi.

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Abi has previously testified that he was the getaway driver in the September 2024 attack.

He was initially nabbed with the group; however, later turned a section 204 witness.

In 2025, accused one, the alleged mastermind, Mzukisi Ndamase concluded his cross-examination of Abi.

Ndamase is already behind bars serving time for another murder.

It’s alleged he orchestrated the Lusikisiki murders from prison.

The trial will run until March 2026, with the court also set to hear evidence from investigating officers.

The accused face a range of charges, including 18 counts of murder related to the shooting, conspiracy to commit murder and the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.