A manhunt has been launched after four people were shot and killed in Philippi East on Saturday night, weeks after another deadly mass shooting in the Marikana informal settlement. The latest killings have raised concerns about the growing violence in the area, with many calling for increased police presence and community engagement to address the root causes of the problem.
According to the police, the shooting happened at about 9:30pm in the Marikana informal settlement on Disa Road. Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Philippi East police opened murder and attempted murder cases after the incident. “Reports from the scene indicate that two gunmen entered the yard at approximately 9:30pm and fired several shots,” Potelwa said.
Investigation Underway
Three men and a woman were killed in the attack. Another woman was injured during the shooting but reportedly left the scene before police arrived. Provincial serious and violent crime detectives have taken over the investigation. “No arrests have been effected yet and a manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators,” Potelwa said. The police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice, with the help of the South African Police Service.
Possible Motive Unclear
The authorities have not yet confirmed a possible motive for Saturday night’s shooting. However, the incident has sparked concerns about the growing violence in the area, with many calling for increased police presence and community engagement to address the root causes of the problem. The Government of South Africa has implemented various initiatives to address crime and violence in the country, including the establishment of the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
The latest killings come weeks after another deadly shooting in the Marikana informal settlement. In that incident, nine people were killed and one injured when gunmen opened fire inside a shebeen in the early hours of January 17. A 19-year-old suspect, Bheki Manxiwa, later appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court facing nine counts of murder, attempted murder and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Here are some key facts about the incident:
- Four people were killed, including three men and one woman
- Another woman was injured during the shooting
- The incident happened at approximately 9:30pm in the Marikana informal settlement on Disa Road
- A manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators
- The police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111
