Families reject mass funeral of Lusikisiki victims – SABC News

The 18 people who were shot dead in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki last weekend will be buried on the 12th and 13th of this month. The families, however, rejected the government’s offer to organize a collective funeral.

The atmosphere is still dark in the village. Villagers are still facing these gruesome killings. They say they will not feel safe until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We still don’t believe this happened to our neighbors. It’s very painful, we don’t even know what to do. Our only hope now is that the rule of law prevails so that we can be at peace once the perpetrators of this horrible act are found,” said resident Mxolisi Tantsi.

“Our hope is that by the end of this month we will know what is happening because Minister Mchunu said one person has been arrested over this,” says Siyanda Mthemba, another resident.

Video: Lusikisiki shootings – Police pursuing leads after 18 people killed over weekend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBdzaQTFtsI

Fifteen women were killed in this brutal attack. This left some women in the village shaken with fear.

“It’s very painful. We are hurt emotionally and psychologically. I don’t even know what to say. I wish the government could do something to strengthen security here. We are not happy at all. Things are very bad in this village,” said Noncedile George, a concerned resident.

The families agreed to have separate funerals Saturday and Sunday. A mass memorial service will also be held next weekend.

“The funeral of the Matu family will take place on the 12th. The funerals of the other families in Dimfi and Malangeni will also take place on the 12th while the funeral of the Ndleleni family here in Ngobozana village will take place on the 13th. We will no longer have collective funerals because families have requested that they bury their loved ones on the dates they wish. The only thing we will do as a government is a mass memorial service which will be held at the college next Sunday,” said ward councilor Thandazile Mgudu.

On Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola visited the bereaved families.

They also announced that a person of interest had been taken into custody for questioning in connection with this horrific murder.

Video: Lusikisiki Murders – “Police say they know who they are looking for”