An eighth and final suspect linked to the mass killings in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape has been apprehended in Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) on a bus en route to Cape Town.

The breakthrough came when the police spotted Songezo Vuma, 20, on the bus route to the Western Cape on Sunday, after it had stopped and he was cornered. Vuma made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, and has since abandoned his bail application.

He will now join the seven other suspects in court on February 17. They are Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, Aphiwe Ndende, 25, Lwando Antony Abi, 33, Bonga Hintsa, 31, Zenande Paya, 38, Mawethu Nomdlwembu, 36, and Mzukisi Ndamase, 46, who have all since abandoned bail.

They are facing 18 charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition after 15 women and three men lost their lives in the two shooting incidents on September 28, 2024.

Luxolo Tyali, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, said the first two suspects, Paya and Nomdlwembu, were arrested in Flagstaff, on October 17, and were in possession of the four rifles and ammunition.

Mzukisi Ndamase is the seventh accused to be arrested in connection with the Lusikisiki mass shooting. Picture: NPA

A manhunt had been launched following the massacre.

“Two of the men, Ndende and Hintsa, were arrested in Port Shepstone, while Abi was apprehended in East London, October 16, 2024,” she added.

Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said via a media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner in the Eastern Cape that police had done outstanding work in the arrest.

“As the Eastern Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene stated that police will not recline until the outstanding suspect is arrested, through thorough investigation police cornered the bus at King

William’s Town Bus station that was heading to Cape Town,” he said.

“I have commended the team and applauded them for tirelessly ensuring that those responsible for the Lusikisiki mass shooting are facing the full might of the law,” said Mene.

Cape Argus