A man paroled before completing his sentence for murder appeared in the Lusikisiki magistrate’s court on Wednesday facing 18 new murder charges.
Siphosoxolo Myeketho, 45, the only accused in a mass shooting in Lusikisiki on September 28, is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with the massacre of 18 people in Ngobozana village more than a week ago.
His appearance infuriated the victims’ families and their neighbours, who lashed out at the justice system for allowing him back on the streets.
He was arrested in Mcobothini village, Lusikisiki, on Monday, allegedly in possession of an AK-47 rifle.
Myeketho, who has a previous conviction for escaping from prison, told the court through his Legal Aid SA attorney that he intended to apply for bail.
Magistrate Njongo Mabena warned him he could face a life sentence for murder and 15 years for illegal possession of a firearm.
Myeketho’s lawyer said in 1996 his client had been sentenced to 18 months for escaping from custody while facing a murder charge.
In 2002, he was given a life sentence for murder but was released on parole in July 2023. He was still on parole when arrested on Monday.
The prosecution will oppose bail.
The case has been postponed to October 15 and NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said this was pending a report from the correctional services department regarding Myeketho’s parole status and possible bail application.
Outside the court, David King, uncle of murdered Ruth King and chair of the victims’ family committee, and Lambasi traditional leader Nkosi Mthuthuzeli Mkwedini stood together.
Mkwedini and King, who will bury their loved ones on Friday, urged community members to assist police in the massacre investigation and many other cases.
“We hope more people will be arrested,” Mkwedini said.
Of the 18 dead, 11 will be buried at KuDimfi village in the Lambasi administrative area, which is headed by Mkwedini, who is related to many of them.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene and OR Tambo district commissioner Brigadier Vukile Ntandane attended Wednesday’s court appearance.
“We are pleased we have arrested a suspect that we can positively link to the incident,” Mene said.
“We are still looking for additional suspects, three or it might be more.
“We have the breakthrough that will get us closer to arresting those still at large.”
Referring to the mass killing at Godini village in Qumbu where six community patrollers — including a sub-headman and his father — were ambushed and shot dead on Sunday night, Mene said she was impressed with the progress made.
“A person of interest has been held for questioning. We are giving the team a chance to continue with the interrogation and we will hear the results.
“But we hope also to have a breakthrough in this case.”
Mene also confirmed that a man suspected of being one of those who shot dead Ngqeleni police officer Khangelani Nomatiti, 59, in the Ngqeleni CBD on Wednesday last week, was killed on Wednesday in a shootout with police in Ngqeleni.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said: “The suspect ... was fatally wounded after he allegedly opened fire on police.
“The deceased man is believed to be in his early 30s.”
He said Nomatiti’s missing service pistol was recovered.
An inquest docket was opened and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate was summoned to the scene for further investigation.
Nomatiti will be buried on Saturday.
DispatchLIVE
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