The Lusikisiki mass killing trial has taken another twist with one of the defence lawyers withdrawing from the case. Attorney Xolile Babane on Wednesday afternoon filed an application with judge Richard Brooks, stating that he was withdrawing from the matter with immediate effect. He works for Legal Aid SA and represents Songezo Mashiya Vuma, accused number five in the matter.
Babane withdrew just three days after the trial, being heard by the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki, resumed on Monday. His resignation came as defence lawyers were scheduled to cross-examine Lonwabo Abi, the former accused who has turned state witness. Babane has been involved in the case since the accused appeared in court following their arrest.
Vuma was the last of the accused to be arrested — in Qonce en route to Cape Town on January 5 2025. He made his first court appearance on January 7 2025. He has pleaded not guilty, citing compulsion, saying he was forced and threatened “to do what he did”.
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According to Abi, Vuma is the trusted right-hand man of Mzukisi Ndamase, the man accused of being the mastermind of the massacre. Brooks postponed the matter to Monday for a new lawyer to be found.
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