Fifteen adults and two minors accused of the Mbongolwane massacre appeared in the Inkanyezi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of, among others, murder and arson.
They are: Lucky Nzuza (30), Khiswa Nzuza (33), Samkelo Mhlongo (25), Nkanyiso Magwaza (28), Gideon Zulu (74), Muzi Gcabashe (32), Thomas Shandu (28), Ntokozo Mathe (32), Philani Zuma (24), Musa Majozi (23), Spephephelo Dlamini (21), Thokozani Nyansumba (26), Ndumiso Zulu (24), Bongani Shandu (42) and Xolani Goqo (20).
The two 17-year-old boys may not be identified.
All the accused, except for the minors, were remanded in custody in the Qalakabusha Prison in Empangeni until Monday, 4 December 2013 while the court awaits directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court apearance arises from an incident on Saturday 27 July when the Mnyango homestead was attacked and four houses set alight.
Two-year-old Qiniso Mnyango was burned to death in the main house.
Thulisiwe (54) was set alight with thatch and burned to death outside the main house.
Nana Mnyango (22) was stabbed to death 20 metres from the main house and Mlamuli (10) was stabbed to death behind the cattle kraal.
Lungi (17) was stabbed to death in the sugar cane field 100 metres from the homestead.
