The alleged mastermind of the Lusikisiki massacre, Mzukisi Ndamase, has accused the state’s key witness, his former confidant Lwando Abi, of killing ANC leader Mncedisi “Gatyeni” Gijana to take over the drug turf in KwaBhaca.
Cross-examining Abi at the Mthatha high court sitting in Lusikisiki on Wednesday, Ndamase said Abi’s motive was a gangland-style execution aimed at removing Gijana, the area’s dominant dealer.
“The real motive that you eliminated Gatyeni was for you to gain control of the drug trade in KwaBhaca, where Gatyeni was the dominant dealer or the only supplier,” Ndamase told Abi.
Gijana, a friend of Ndamase and a fellow prisoner, was out on parole for a 2008 cash-in-transit heist when he was shot dead at his Lubhacweni home in KwaBhaca on August 19 2024.
Ndamase, who has pleaded not guilty to 29 charges including 19 murders, insisted he had no role in the killing.
“I had not a single reason to have Gatyeni killed. I have been in prison for almost 20 years since being convicted in 2007,” he said.
“I never planned or executed the mission of killing Gatyeni. You killed Gatyeni for the sake of expanding your drug territory in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
Abi, however, dismissed the claims.
He told the court that Ndamase co-ordinated criminal operations from Wellington Prison in Mthatha, including the killing of Gijana, the mass shooting at Ngobozana in Lusikisiki, and a string of other murders and robberies.
He also testified that Ndamase once rescued him from an illegal initiation school by sending three armed men.
Ndamase argued that Abi, as a Section 204 witness whose charges were withdrawn in exchange for testimony, fabricated evidence to escape prosecution.
“Your hell-bent efforts of falsely implicating me in the killing of Gatyeni are your way out to get indemnity.
“You saw it as your only ticket for freedom and to escape prosecution for the killing you had committed,” he said.
He told the court Abi’s credibility was questionable as his statements contained errors and contradictions.
Abi admitted to some mistakes, including dates, but stood by his version.
Ndamase further alleged that police and prosecutors worked with Abi to frame him.
“The police gave you an already prepared statement to only sign in an effort to implicate me. This was not only from you but also from the police and prosecutors,” he said.
He denied knowing the five men he was standing trial with, claiming Abi introduced them. “These are your friends, not mine,” he said.
Ndamase also accused Abi of being a senior figure in the 28s gang, deployed to expand its drug operations in the Eastern Cape.
“You are one of the most senior leaders in the prison 28s gangs. You are a Germiston — a high-ranking gang leader.
“After your release, you were deployed to take over the Eastern Cape, killing anyone standing in your way,” he said.
Abi, who admitted to being part of the 28s while in prison, confirmed he once ran a drug operation in Dutywa but denied ambitions of expanding elsewhere.
He described Ndamase as a heartless killer with soldiers across the province.
“Despite hating your actions and knowing you are dangerous, I kept our friendship intact for my protection in the drug business,” Abi said.
“In times of need, I relied on you. In one incident, you helped me deal with a feared drug lord from Cape Town who tried to sell directly in my territory.
“You sent your soldiers to assist. At one point, you were encouraged to kill another person and advised to drink a nip of Smirnoff to gain bravery.”
The trial continues.
Daily Dispatch
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