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Seven people are behind bars for the Mt Ayliff Christmas Day massacre that resulted in the deaths of eight people, Eastern Cape police said.
The seven defendants appeared in Mt Ayliff Magistrates Court on Monday, where they all faced multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
“The accused have been identified as Luyanda Mambi, Mthokozisi Magayiyane, Thobile Ngezana, Ndabuko Dalindyebo, Bulelani Ntuli, Thobile Sogiba and Phakamani Ngezana,” said Brig Vish Naidoo.
“The seven suspects have been held in pre-trial detention until January 4, 2020, when they are expected to reappear in court to request a formal bond,” Naidoo added.
The massacre occurred around 5 a.m. on December 25.
According to police, the group of suspects, believed to be from the Mpeni area, clashed with a group from Nokhatshile village. The seven who died were mostly from the Nokhatshile group. Another six were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha, a spokesman for Eastern Cape Prime Minister Oscar Mabuyane, told eCNA at the time that the fight was allegedly due to a dispute over the taxi route in the area.
The police enlisted the help of the army to locate the suspects.
At the time, Naidoo said the defense force would assist with equipment, including helicopters, and provide reinforcements.
TimesLIVE
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