Siphosoxolo Myekethe accused of the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape opted to abandon his application for bail. Picture: NPA
Siphosoxolo Myekethe, charged with the murders of 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, opted to abandon his application for bail, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old was arrested in connection with a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 women and three men on September 28, 2024.
Five people were injured. Police said the motive for the shooting was not clear at this stage.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Myekethe appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
He was arrested while out on parole for murder and escaping from lawful custody.
In addition to 18 counts of murder, Myekethe has also been charged with one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle.
Myekethe was arrested on October 7, 2024 at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini Area in the district of Lusikisiki.
“During his brief appearance, he informed the court that he would not be applying for bail, which the prosecution had already indicated it would be opposing.”
Tyali said the matter was adjourned to November 26, 2024 for further investigation.
The NPA indicated that there are still outstanding suspects connected to the matter.
While attending the mass memorial for the victims, national Police Minister Senzo Mchunu indicated that police had taken three people in for questioning.
The victims were laid to rest this weekend in private funerals.
The youngest victim was 14-years-old.
In another shooting incident, six community patrollers were gunned down in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape.
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