Families of EC mass murder victims want answers

October 7, 2024 116

Relatives and residents of Ngobazana Village in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, have been left in limbo after the case involving three suspects, allegedly linked to the recent fatal shooting of 18 members of the community was not on the court roll today.

On Sunday, Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu raised the residents’ hopes after he told those gathered at a memorial service for the deceased that three “persons of interest” had been arrested.

Amid anticipation to catch a glimpse of the trio, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), however, today poured cold water on the remark, revealing that it was unaware of the said appearance.

“We don’t have a statement because there is no docket brought to the prosecution yet. We are still waiting for the docket if the arrests have been made,” said Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali.

Mchunu also later changed tune, saying the three suspects were not specifically linked to the massacre.

Eighteen people, including 15 women, were gunned down at two homesteads nine days ago as they were preparing for unveiling services.

One of the victims’ family members, David King says despite their disappointment, they’re hopeful that the case will be solved.

Mkhuseli Mhatu, who also lost family members in the heinous crime, says all they want is answers.

Just as the country was coming to grips with the mass shooting in Lusikisiki, the gunning down of six people in Godini Village, near Qumbu, also rocked the province and the nation at large on Sunday.

The latest victims are said to be members of the area’s community policing forum.

Four of their colleagues were left injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Majola Nkohli, says investigations into the matter are continuing.

Minister Mchunu visited the area today and expressed hope for the police to catch the culprits.

Social media users are bemoaning the deadly crimes, which have left 24 people dead in less than two weeks.

When I grew up generally both Eastern & Western Pondos used to wage battles that forced families to slèep in the bushes or church buildings.
The Lusikisiki massacre & now Qumbu make me remember those horrific times. They used assegais then @hlubizer

— Vivi Patriot (@ViviMpikashe) October 7, 2024

Qumbu 🥺🥺

— Sam (@VuyoSamQwabe) October 7, 2024

Treating Qumbu as a normal place is one of the biggest crimes by SAPS. I once reported a robbery. I am still waiting for them to come and take bullets for evidence, 16 years later.

— Mzantsi (@m_mzet) October 7, 2024

6 people were gunned down in Qumbu..5 women were gunned down in KZN..hey kunzima shame ..We still mourning those 18 people who were murdered in Lusikisiki 💔

— LUNGI …Lusikisiki (@LungiYou) October 7, 2024

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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