Tragedy strikes as eight die in Philippi East tavern shooting

Siyavuya Khaya|Published 3 hours ago

Police have confirmed that eight people were killed during a mass shooting at a shebeen in Marikana informal settlements at Philippi East in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According topolice, ten people were shot during the incident, with six declared dead at the scene and two others succumbing to their injuries at the hospital.

Provincial police commissioner general Thembisile Patekile said initial investigations indicate that more than three suspects entered the shebeen and opened fire on patrons who were inside enjoying themselves.

“What we know at this stage is that ten people were shot. Six people died at the scene, while two others passed away later at hospital. Among the deceased is a woman who was the owner of the tavern," he said.

General Patekile confirmed that there were several other people inside the tavern at the time of the shooting, but they managed to escape unharmed.

He said police have identified the suspects and are actively pursuing them.

“We know who the shooters are, and we are on their tails. Our aim is to arrest at least one or two suspects as soon as possible. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that more people were involved," he said, adding they believe the motive behind the attack is extortion, a crime that has been increasing in the area.

The woman who ran the shebeen was sitting inside a garage next to it when she was gunned down.

Image: siyavuya khaya

“The motive is extortion, which is driven by groups involved in extortion gangs. This is one of the most underreported crimes, and it continues to cost innocent people their lives," he said.

He urged community members to come forward with information, stressing that anonymity is guaranteed.

He said tragedy could have been prevented if people had reported who was demanding money from them. He said community members can report this anonymously, and they appeal to the community to work with the police, not with extortionists. He added that police visibility has been increased in known crime hotspots and intelligence-driven operations are ongoing.

“We have bolstered our deployment in affected areas, and we continue with intelligence collection. We must dismantle these criminal networks, but we cannot do it alone. Our toll-free numbers have already led to many arrests, with suspects now serving prison sentences," he said.

He also addressed the issue of illegal liquor outlets, saying police will enforce the law.

“Our approach to illegal liquor outlets is very clear. If you want to trade in liquor, you must have a license. We will find unlicensed shebeens and close them,” he said.

The shebeen where ten people were shot, leaving eight dead, while two others are receiving medical attention.

Image: Siyavuya Khaya

He said during the festive season, liquor was not openly stored in the area, suggesting that alcohol may be hidden elsewhere.

“This tells us that as much as there are illegal shebeens, liquor may be stored at other locations in the area," he said.

A former community leader, Siphiwo Tofile, expressed shock and frustration over the incident, saying history appears to be repeating itself.

“In 2017, eleven people were shot at the beginning of the year, and now this has happened again at the beginning of the year. What hurts the most is that innocent people were killed,” he said.

Mr Tofile said those who carry out such attacks should target those they have conflicts with instead of murdering innocent people.

"These people were innocent. What shocked me the most was that I sometimes play pool at this very tavern," he said.

He also raised concerns about the lack of visible community safety structures.

“We are told that CPF and neighbourhood watch structures exist, but on the ground, they are nonexistent. When you go to the police station, they are written in the books, but in reality, we don’t see them,” he said.