Songezo (Mashiya) Vuma, the final suspect connected to the horrific Lusikisiki mass shooting, appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he faced 19 charges, including 19 counts of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. His arrest on January 5, 2025, marked the culmination of a months-long search for the individual responsible for the massacre that shocked the community in September 2024. Vuma, who had been on the run since the shooting, chose to be represented by Legal Aid South Africa and opted to forgo applying for bail.

The devastating shooting, which occurred on September 28, 2024, claimed the lives of 18 victimsβ15 women and three men. Among the deceased was a 14-year-old boy, the youngest of the victims. Despite the scale of the tragedy, the motive behind the killings remains unclear, and the investigation continues to unravel the circumstances surrounding the massacre. To date, at least eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the murders, further underscoring the scale of the operation that resulted in so much loss.
The police investigation revealed that the killings were orchestrated from within a prison, with Mzukisi Ndamase, a 46-year-old inmate, alleged to be the mastermind behind the massacre. Ndamase, who is already serving a sentence for another murder, is said to have masterminded the operation that led to the senseless loss of life. The other accused include parolee Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, Zenande Paya, 38, Mawethu Nomdlembu, 36, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, 25, Lwando Antony Abi, 33, and Bonga Hintsa, 32. All are facing charges related to the mass killing.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu expressed his satisfaction with Vuma’s capture, calling it a crucial development in the ongoing investigation. “This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice,” Mchunu said in a statement. He also praised the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers who worked diligently to track down the final suspect. Additionally, the Minister thanked the community for its cooperation during the investigation, emphasizing that such acts of violence would not be tolerated and that law enforcement would continue to fight against criminality with full resolve.
As the legal process unfolds, Mchunu urged the public to remain patient and allow the justice system to take its course. Vumaβs next court appearance is scheduled for February 17, 2025, when he will be formally joined with the other seven accused in the matter. The police minister reiterated that the priority remains to ensure justice for the victims and their grieving families, who are still reeling from the tragedy. The scars left on the community by the brutal killings are deep, but Mchunu remains hopeful that through the justice system, the families will eventually find closure.
With Vumaβs arrest, authorities are one step closer to solving the puzzle of the Lusikisiki mass shooting, but the communityβs questions and grief will likely continue to weigh heavily until all the facts are revealed in court. As the accused face their charges, the hope is that justice will prevail, providing some semblance of peace to those affected by the loss of their loved ones in what has been one of the most tragic mass shootings in recent South African history.