CAPE TOWN– Seven people were gunned down in a mass shooting in the early hours of this morning (17 January) at a shebeen on Protea Road in Marikana, Philippi East.
The victims included a woman and six men, aged between 30 and 50.
Three other people were wounded and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The attack is believed to be extortion-related.
According to preliminary reports, three armed men entered the premises while it was operating and opened fire on patrons.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said the incident took place just after midnight and that the suspects have yet to be arrested.
“At this stage, the incident is believed to be linked to extortion in the area. 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 for the crime,” he said.
The Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has condemned “the horrific shooting” incident.
“I urge SAPS to deploy a strong, specialised investigation team to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are swiftly identified, apprehended, and made to face the full might of the law,” Marais said.
Premier Alan Winde and Marais will be meeting with National acting police minister Firoz Cachalia within the next three weeks to discuss urgent policing needs in the Western Cape.
Anyone with information on the latest attack is urged to contact police on 08600 10111 or to share information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.
