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The Lusikisiki crime scene cordoned off.
Final arguments are due to be heard on Tuesday in the case of six men accused of killing 18 people in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape in 2024.
The accused appeared in the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki on Monday when witness testimony, including that of Onele Jele, was concluded in the trial within a trial.
The defence is seeking to prove that three of the accused made confessions under duress.
Onele Jele was arrested in Port Shepstone with Ndende and Hintsa. Jele is currently in custody for a different case.
State prosecutor, Mfundo Makhubalo, stated in cross-examination that Jele gave evidence that contradicted Ndende and Hintsa’s evidence in court.
Makhubalo put it to Jele that Ndende’s evidence says they were threatened to speak the truth or they would be thrown in the Umzimvubu dam, while Jele said they were threatened to be thrown off the Mtamvuna bridge.
Makhubalo also put it to Jele that, according to Hintsa’s evidence in court, they were only wearing trunks when they were arrested, and upon their arrival at the Lusikisiki prison, they were given two bags, while Hintsa mentioned one bag.
A ruling on the trial within a trial is expected this week.
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