Police in Cape Town have launched an intensive manhunt for 28-year-old Lonwabo Steven Dyasi, who is wanted in connection with the brutal killing of nine people at a shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crime Unit are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Dyasi. He is believed to have been involved in the deadly shooting that took place in the early hours of 17 January 2026.
“Serious and Violent Crime Detectives are seeking the assistance of the public to trace 28-year-old Lonwabo Steven Dyasi who is wanted for murder,” Twigg confirmed.
Police allege that Dyasi is a key suspect in the massacre, which claimed the lives of nine people and left another victim injured. The shooting occurred at a local shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement, sending shockwaves through the surrounding community.
Twigg further confirmed that a warrant of arrest has been issued for Dyasi. Authorities have warned that he should be considered dangerous, and members of the public are urged not to approach him but to report any information that could lead to his arrest.
In a significant development, a 19-year-old suspect has already been apprehended in connection with the case. The teenager appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court facing multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The accused, identified as Bheki Manxiwa, made his court appearance on 26 January. During proceedings, he initially indicated that he wished to represent himself. However, after the charges were formally explained, he opted to apply for legal representation through Legal Aid.
The massacre has left the Philippi East community devastated. Residents described scenes of chaos and terror as gunmen allegedly stormed into the tavern shortly after midnight and opened fire on patrons.
Seven people reportedly died at the scene, while others were rushed to nearby medical facilities with gunshot wounds. Tragically, among those killed was the girlfriend of the tavern owner. The owner himself survived the attack unharmed.
“It was a terrible experience,” said one visibly shaken resident. “Families are broken. The whole community is traumatised.”
On the day of the shooting, crowds gathered outside the tavern as police cordoned off the area and forensic teams began combing the crime scene for evidence. Many residents expressed fear and anger over the violence that has plagued the area.
One woman who had been at the tavern earlier that evening said she narrowly escaped death.
“I was there around 9pm, but I left because my boyfriend was getting drunk and wanted to fight with people,” she explained. “We went home before the shooting started. We were lucky.”
Police say investigations remain ongoing and that they are committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in the massacre are brought to justice. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Dyasi’s whereabouts to contact Detective Constable Sibusiso Manqindi or CrimeStop.
As the search intensifies, the grieving community continues to mourn the lives lost in one of the deadliest recent attacks in the area.
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