The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that Siphosoxolo Myekethe, a convicted murderer who was arrested in connection with the Lusikisiki massacre which left 18 people dead, is a beneficiary of a parole.
Myekethe, 45, made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday under heavy police presence.
He is facing 18 charges of murder and one count possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle.
The accused was arrested on October 7 at his home in Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini area in the district of Lusikisiki. Myekethe’s arrest comes after the shooting that occurred on September 28 at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village near the town of Lusikisiki. Eighteen people were killed and five, including a 2-month-old baby, were injured.
NPA Regional Eastern Cape Division spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said during his brief appearance, the accused elected to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney and stated his intention to apply for bail.
“The prosecution will be opposing bail against the alleged murder, who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder, for which he is out on parole,” said Tyali.
The case has been remanded to October 15 for his further criminal profiling, and report from the Correctional Services Department regarding his parole status and possible bail application.
On Sunday, hundreds of relatives, loved ones, community members, church members, and politicians hosted a mass memorial service.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, delivering his speech, mentioned that three people of interest were arrested and that police were on the heels of a fourth suspect.
“The fourth suspect is known to the police, soon he will be arrested,” said Mchunu on Sunday.
According to reports, the suspect was identified by a person of interest that was questioned last week.
The Star