CAPE TOWN – Two separate shooting incidents in Cape Town’s Philippi-East area over the weekend left 10 people dead and two injured, prompting calls for military deployment to combat escalating extortion-related violence.
The violence began early Saturday morning, 17 January, when gunmen opened fire at a shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement at 00:15. Eight people were killed and two others wounded in what police believe was an extortion-related attack.
Later that same day, a second shooting occurred at Marcus Garvey in Phola Park around 14:00, where two men aged 32 and 44 were fatally shot. Both victims were found on a footpath with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Community leaders demand action
A leader from the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Philippi-East, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, has called for immediate government intervention.
“The issue of extortion in the townships is getting out of hand. It seems the officers are failing to curb it. We need the government to deploy soldiers in our areas to maintain peace. The extortionists are at war with the community now,” the leader said.
He expressed particular concern that both attacks appeared well-orchestrated and that innocent people are increasingly becoming victims of this violence.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that eight counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder are under investigation for the Marikana incident. Among the deceased was a 43-year-old woman who owned the illegal liquor outlet.
“Serious violent crimes detectives have their sights set on three known suspects who are still at large,” Van Wyk explained. “Six victims died on the scene, one on the way to hospital and the other after arriving at a medical facility.”
No arrests have been made in either incident.
Presidential response to Cape Flats violence
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness following the weekend violence, which was part of a broader pattern that claimed at least 26 lives across the Cape Flats since Friday.
The President has assured communities they can expect stronger law enforcement presence and increased police visibility to stabilise affected areas and reduce the potential for further violence.
“Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives,” President Ramaphosa stated, offering his deepest sympathies to all affected families.
Call for community partnership
Recognising the fear that criminals impose on residents, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement. He urged residents to provide information to police on an ongoing basis, even regarding neighbours and family members, to make communities unsafe for criminals rather than law-abiding citizens.
Recent successes through community partnership have enabled the South African Police Service to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.
President Ramaphosa assured residents that government is balancing immediate responses with long-term solutions. Short-term actions focus on preventing and responding to violence while stabilising communities, while long-term interventions aim to improve social conditions and living standards through comprehensive socio-economic programs.
The incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of extortion-related violence in Cape Town’s townships and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to protect vulnerable communities. The call for military deployment reflects the growing desperation of residents who feel overwhelmed by criminal elements operating with apparent impunity in their neighbourhoods.
ALSO READ: Eighth victim in Marikana mass shooting dies in hospital
