In the ongoing trial for the Lusikisiki mass murder, a defense lawyer has accused a state witness of contradicting himself during cross-examination. The case involves six men charged with killing 18 people in September 2024. The proceedings are taking place at the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki.
The trial for the brutal killing of 18 people in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, in September 2024, continued at the Mthatha High Court. Six men face multiple murder charges related to the incident.
Advocate Mawande Nokhwali, representing accused number two Aphiwe Ndende, cross-examined state witness Lwando Abi, who was previously an accused. Nokhwali pointed out inconsistencies in Abi's statements. In his first statement, Abi described the firearms used in the killings as being in a bag, but in his confession, he said they were leaning against the wall.
Additionally, Nokhwali noted that Abi told police he called his wife after the shooting, whereas in another statement, he claimed his wife called him. Responding to the lawyer, Abi insisted, "I am sure I called my wife."
The case has been postponed until Monday next week to allow further proceedings. This development highlights the scrutiny on witness reliability in the high-profile mass murder case.
