The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for four suspects allegedly linked to the Lusikisiki massacre which left 18 people dead.
On Tuesday afternoon, police requested members of the public for urgent assistance in tracing four wanted dangerous suspects possibly linked to the mass murder incidents.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said through preliminary investigations, police have reason to believe that the four suspects would be able to assist the police in solving the Lusikisiki mass murder case.
“Police investigations are at an advanced stage and tracing operations are under way for these four wanted suspects,” said Mathe.
The suspects are Songezo ‘Mashiya’ Vuma, 20, Bonga ‘Rico’ Hintsa, 31, Aphiwe ‘AP’ Ndende, 25, and Lwando Anthony ‘Abi’ Shakes, 31.
“Members of the public are urged not to confront these suspects as they are considered to be dangerous and may be heavily armed. Members of the public are urged to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects,” Mathe said.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to contact the SAPS organised crime or the SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation team on 082 302 7762. Mathe said all information will be treated with confidentiality. Callers may remain anonymous.
“The four suspects are also advised to hand themselves over at a nearest police station,” she said
Meanwhile, the man charged with the murder of 18 people abandoned his bail application in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The National Prosecuting Authority Eastern Cape spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, told the media that Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, who was out on parole for murder when he was arrested for the recent massacre, made his first appearance a week ago.
Tyali said Myekethe is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of 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.
“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. Myekethe has two previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody and murder,” said Tyali.
The case was remanded to November 26 for further investigations.
The Star