African Gospel Church at Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East was packed to the rafters during the memorial service for nine people who were shot and killed in a shebeen in the area on Friday, 17 January.
The service was organised by community members and other relevant community stakeholders. Six people were shot and killed in the shebeen, another victim died on his way to hospital, and a seventh victim died hours later after arriving at hospital. The last victim died a few days after being admitted to hospital. Among the deceased was a woman who owned the shebeen.
Legal proceedings
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said a case involving a 19-year-old murder accused who was arrested in connection with the shooting incident that occurred in Marikana had been postponed to Monday, 2 February, for a full bail profile and further investigation. Ntabazalila said the suspect is charged with nine counts of murder, attempted murder and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. (“Athlone court postponed bail for 19-year-old accused in Marikana mass shooting”, City Vision, 26 January.)
Community fears
A community leader in Philippi East who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment said they are distraught by the incident. He said they are scared to speak in public and that it was the second time a similar incident had occurred in the area where people were killed in large numbers.
“People are staying indoors here; they are scared to go out, especially at night. This is the second incident where people were killed in numbers. In 2017, a similar incident occurred in one of the shebeens in the area where 13 people were shot and 11 of them died. We have a problem with illegal shebeens that are operating after hours. There is no police visibility here because the officers are unable to patrol in Marikana because the shacks are dense,” said the leader.
He said all they need is for the City of Cape Town to install lights in the area and rezone it. He vowed that the community will support the deceased families until they bury their relatives.
Family tribute
Sibabalwe Klaas, aunt of one of the deceased, Chwayita Klaas (43), who was the shebeen owner, said she is heartbroken.
She described Chwayita as a hard worker and stated that it was not the first time she had been robbed.
“Chwayita could do anything to survive. She was a strong woman. Her death traumatised me. She was a breadwinner for the family,” said Sibabalwe.
