A deadly shooting in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Western Cape, has left seven people dead and three others injured, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting a major police investigation. Authorities believe the brutal attack, which occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, may be linked to ongoing extortion activities in the area.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the shooting took place at around 12:15am on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Six men and one woman, all estimated to be between the ages of 30 and 50, were fatally wounded during the incident. Three additional men sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Their condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Western Cape provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut confirmed that the suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack and that no arrests have been made so far. He stated that preliminary investigations suggest the incident is linked to extortion-related activities that have increasingly plagued certain communities in the province.
“The South African Police Service condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms and is committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are held accountable,” said Traut. He added that police are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness due to the number of victims involved and the suspected organised-crime element.
In response to the mass shooting, Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, along with his senior management team, is expected to visit the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation. Detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes unit have been assigned to the case and have launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.
The shooting has reignited concerns around rising levels of violent crime and extortion in informal settlements, where residents often feel vulnerable and under-protected. Extortion syndicates have become a growing problem in parts of the Western Cape, targeting businesses, taxi operators, and even private individuals through threats and intimidation.
Community members in Philippi East have expressed fear and anger following the attack, with many calling for increased police visibility and stronger action against criminal networks operating in their area. Some residents say they live in constant fear, particularly at night, as gun violence continues to disrupt daily life.
Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Members of the public can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS mobile application. SAPS has assured residents that all information will be treated as strictly confidential.
As investigations continue, authorities have appealed for calm while reaffirming their commitment to restoring safety and bringing those responsible for the Marikana shooting to justice.
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