Marikana community unites in grief after nine killed in Philippi shooting

A sombre mood continues to hang over the Marikana community following the killing of nine people in a mass shooting that occurred two weeks ago, as residents gathered at the African Gospel Church in Philippi for a memorial service on Tuesday, January 26. 

The service, organised by Abantu Bethongo, the Philippi Interfaith Forum, the Gugulethu Interfaith Forum, and community partners, aimed to honour the victims and show solidarity with their families. 

Speaking on behalf of the interfaith groups and community partners, Geoff Maputa said the gathering was an expression of pastoral solidarity with families and communities affected by the scourge of gang violence and extortion on the Cape Flats.

“At this painful moment, the presence of religious leaders is a vital sign of compassion, hope, and moral witness. Together, we affirm that we shall not normalise killings in our communities,” he said.

The service took place under heavy police visibility, with officers deployed along Protea Road and the surrounding areas.

Inside the packed church, community members spoke candidly about the severe crime challenges facing Marikana. While hymns and church songs filled the sanctuary, scenes of grief were evident as some family members wept openly.

Family members of the deceased told the congregation that they remain deeply traumatised by the loss of their loved ones, describing a void that would be difficult to fill.

The family of Chwayita Klaas, a shebeen owner who was among those killed, said her death came as a shock. Her aunt, Sibabalwe Klaas, described her as a hardworking and family-oriented person.

She explained that Chwayita opened the tavern after losing her job elsewhere, simply to provide for her family. “For her to put something on the table, she opened the shebeen. She never imagined that something like this could happen,” she said.

Ms Klaas added that this was not the first time Chwayita had been shot. “When we heard she had been shot previously, we called her to check on her well-being. She told us it was nothing and that we shouldn’t worry. She was brave. We have lost a loving sister,” she said.

All nine families were allowed to speak and share memories of their loved ones.

The family of the late Mzoxolo Mnkqayi remembered him as an entertainer with a stubborn streak. His sister, Elizabeth Mnkqayi, recalled his playful but sometimes troublesome nature. “He could be a nuisance at times, opening my refrigerator and taking whatever he liked,” she said.

“I remember when he fought his friend simply because that friend had been ordained as a church leader. He could take things too far, but we will remember him for his antics and humour.”

Community leaders also used the platform to highlight the broader challenges facing Marikana.

Area Committee chairperson Loyiso Nqikiza appealed to the government to prioritise the development of the area. He said the lack of proper streets, street lighting, safe infrastructure, and the presence of open dams and exposed electrical wires continued to put lives at risk. “People are dying here and will continue to die if nothing changes,” he said. “Marikana must be developed so that police can patrol properly. This is not the first shooting, but people are also dying from drowning in dams and electrocution from exposed wires. There is an urgent need for development.”

On the day of the attack, six people were killed at the scene. One victim 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.

Police have since confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect in connection with the mass shooting at a shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East.

Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the case against the accused has been postponed to Monday, February 2, for a full bail profile and further investigation.

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