By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that charges against two of the eight men implicated in the Lusikisiki mass murders, in which 18 people were shot dead, has been withdrawn.
The mass shooting took place in September when gunmen mowed down mostly women in two homesteads in the Lusikisiki area.
The incident was widely condemned, including by Eastern Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, who described the murders as a devastating loss to the province.
They have also been linked to the murder of politician Mncedi Gijana in KwaBhaca on 19 August 2024.
The remaining six, namely Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25), Bonga Hintsa (31), Mawethu Nomdlembu (36), and Songezo Vuma (20), who have all since abandoned bail.
They have all abandoned their bail application.
The face a string of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, 18 charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
They appeared in court on Monday with the case remanded until the 14th of April 2025.
The case has been moved to the Mthatha High Court.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, according to the latest figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
There were more than 27,000 murders in 2022 – amounting to 45 people per 100,000, out of a population of almost 60 million. By comparison, the US rate is six per 100,000.
It has also led for people to calls to end gender-based violence. South Africa also has a high femicide rate.