By Anita Dangazele
The man accused of being involved in the mass shooting of 18 people abandoned his bail application on Tuesday at the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court.
Siphosoxolo Myekethe was on parole for two previous convictions – one for escaping custody and another for murder – when he was arrested a week ago for his alleged role in the killings that took place on 28 September at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki.
Chief Mkweteni, whose brother was one of the 18 victims, was relieved at Myekethe’s decision.
“We’re happy he chose not to waste the court’s time by applying for bail, but we’re frustrated with how slowly this case is moving. We believe they [the other killers] should have been in court by now,” he said.
“We want to know why they did this. But we’ve been told [the police are] still tying up loose ends before arresting the other suspects.”
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali noted that Myekethe did not give a reason for abandoning his bail attempt.
“There is a tendency for accused persons to drop their bail bid while the case is still in the public eye and then quietly reapply later. However, I want to assure the public that we will oppose his application if he applies again,” Tyali said.
Myekethe allegedly led the police to three other suspects, but they are still on the run.
The state requested a postponement, noting the need to arrest the remaining suspects, and it was postponed to 26 November.
Pictured above: Siphosoxolo Myekethe is accused of taking part in the killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki on 28 September.
Source: Supplied
