The youngest of the accused charged with the 2024 Lusikisiki massacre was the most feared among the group and served as second-in-command to alleged mastermind Mzukisi Ndamase, the Mthatha High Court has heard. Key state witness Lonwabo Abi testified on Monday that though Songezo Vuma was only 21 this year, he had become Ndamase’s trusted right-hand man. Abi, a former accused turned state witness, said while most of the group feared Ndamase, Vuma was not afraid of him and even refused to carry out some of his orders.
Abi was being cross-examined by Vuma’s new defence attorney, Velile Mgcotyelwa, who took over after Xolile Babane withdrew from the case due to illness. I was Ndamase’s right-hand man but when this young man came into our group he suddenly became Mzukisi’s trusted lieutenant and I was no more a favourite Mgcotyelwa challenged Abi’s version, pointing out that Vuma was only 18 when he joined the group, while Abi was 30. “You cannot say such a young person was feared and was your boss while all of you were older than him and experienced,” Mgcotyelwa said.
“I was Ndamase’s right-hand man but when this young man came into our group he suddenly became Mzukisi’s trusted lieutenant and I was no more a favourite. “Mzukisi told me that I lacked bravery and courage and Vuma had all that was needed. He is not a coward.” Abi said Vuma’s boldness was shown when he refused Ndamase’s instruction that the group commit a robbery in KwaBhaca shortly after a shootout between police and suspects.
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“Mzukisi ordered our group to commit a robbery in KwaBhaca. The order came when police were still very much alert after the shootout with Sakhumzi ”Saki” Mareke of Mthatha.
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