By Anita Dangazele
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that three people have been taken in for questioning over the mass killing of 18 people in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, which occurred last Saturday.
Speaking at a memorial service for the victims on Sunday at the Lusikisiki College of Education, Mchunu said: “We are not too far from arresting the fourth person linked to the mass murders in Lusikisiki. The three that have been arrested will be appearing in court [on Monday].”
“We will not leave any stone unturned until all those involved in this mass murder are arrested,” he assured the grieving families.
After the memorial, Mchunu told the media that the suspects were being investigated for their involvement in the mass shooting, as well as other recent murders in the area.
“All three people that have been arrested may be persons of interest, including in the case of 18 people,” he explained.
He said more details about the charges would be revealed in court on Monday.
Mchunu added that the motive for the killings is still being investigated.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said a firearm had been recovered from a fourth suspect on Saturday.
“He [the fourth suspect] was arrested, he was able to get away but we’re hot on his heels. We will be able to get him, he’ll be the fourth one to the three that are currently arrested.”
The memorial service, held on Sunday, was attended by several government ministers and deputy ministers.
All the speakers condemned the violence, especially against women and children.
Among the victims were 15 women, a 13-year-old boy, and two men.
The massacre took place at the homes of sisters Mary Sinqina and Nancy Sinqina-Mhatu.
Four people were killed at Nancy’s home, while 13 were killed at Mary’s.
The victims had gathered at Mary’s house for a traditional ritual to mark the end of mourning for her daughter, Zinzi Sinqina-Jawuse, 31, and another family member, Nomnikelo Sinqina, 61.
Both women were shot and killed in August last year.
The families will hold private funerals on different dates.
Pictured above: Families of the 18 people who were shot and killed in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, at the memorial service on Sunday.
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This article has been updated.
