Six men charged with the September 28 mass shooting in which 15 women, a 13-year-old boy and two men were killed in Lusikisiki appeared in the Mthatha high court on Monday.
This was the first time the men appeared at the high court after their case was transferred from the Lusikisiki regional court.
Initially, eight accused were arrested in connection with the killings, but Lwando Abi, 33, and Zenande Paya, 38, had all charges against them withdrawn in March.
They have since turned state witnesses and will testify against their former co-accused.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case had been postponed on Monday to May 16.
“The defence attorneys for five of the men indicated that they still [needed] time to consult with their witnesses as they received instructions only last week to represent their clients,” Tyali said.
“The case was therefore postponed for the defence to indicate its readiness for the trial and for the trial date to be set.”
Mzukisi Ndamase, 46, who is serving a life term for murder, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, a parolee who was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a policeman, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, 25, Bonga Hintsa, 31, Mawethu Nomdlembu, 36, and Songezo Vuma, 20, who have all abandoned bail, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
They also face 18 charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.