Nineteen-year-old arrested in deadly Marikana shebeen shooting

Police have confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect in connection with the deadly mass shooting at a shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, which claimed the lives of nine people earlier this month.

According to police, the shooting occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 17, when three armed suspects allegedly entered the shebeen shortly after midnight and opened fire. Six people were killed at the scene, one died while being transported to a medical facility, another succumbed to injuries in the hospital, and a ninth victim, who had been critically injured, died days later.

Eight of the deceased were men, and one was a woman, believed to be the owner of the shebeen. One person was injured during the attack. Police suspect the shooting to be extortion-related.

Provincial police spokesman Captain FC Van Wyk said the suspect was arrested in Zwelethemba, Worcester, during an operation involving detectives from the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Unit, crime intelligence, and combat members.

He appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was charged with nine counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The case was postponed to Monday, February 2. 

Western Cape police management has commended the investigating team and indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

One of the victims, 48-year-old Zweloxolo Mnqayi, was remembered as a peaceful and hardworking member of the community. Family relative Mpumelelo Msindo said the family was alerted to the tragedy by a neighbor shortly after the shooting.

“One of the young people from the area came rushing to our home to tell us that he had been shot and killed. We were shocked and deeply saddened,” he said. 

Mr Msindo described Mr Mnqayi as someone who avoided conflict and was always willing to help others. He is survived by his wife, a child, and extended family. The family has appealed for assistance to cover burial costs, as they plan to lay him to rest in the Eastern Cape.

Another victim, 33-year-old Fanelo Nonxenge, was shot moments after his brother stepped outside a nearby shebeen. His brother, Xolani Fayo, recalled the traumatic ordeal.

“This happened less than two minutes after I stepped outside. We were drinking beers when gunshots suddenly rang out,” he said. He said he managed to take cover, but when the shooting stopped, and he returned, his brother had already died. Nonxenge is survived by his partner and a child.

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