Massacre on the Cape Flats: police search for gunmen

The shebeen in Marikana informal settlement where eight people were killed on Saturday morning. Photo: Sandiso Phaliso

Police are searching for at least three gunmen who killed eight people inside a shebeen in Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town on Saturday, shortly after midnight. Two other people were seriously injured and hospitalised.

Western Cape police commissioner Tembinkosi Patekile confirmed police were investigating eight cases of murder, and two attempted murders.

Patekile said that the police have identified the gunmen and that the massacre was extortion-related. He said that few extortion cases were reported to the police. This is despite extortion being a huge problem in Philippi and Nyanga. “We depend mostly on communities to report these extortionists,” said Patekile.

This is the second time that there has been a shooting in this tavern in recent years.

When GroundUp arrived at the scene, the bodies of the deceased were already removed. The shebeen was locked. But looking through the windows, lots of blood, empty alcohol bottles could be seen.

According to eyewitnesses, who were inside the tavern when the shooting occurred, it started as a robbery. Patrons’ cell phones and money were taken. The suspects were seen having a conversation with the owner, who they shot dead.

“People were having fun to loud music when these people came and started talking to the owner. We heard gunshots but we could not get out because some were standing at the exit door. I just lay behind a dustbin. I don’t know how I survived, I don’t believe it myself,” said a witness. “These people must have had some disagreements with the owner and they shot her. They turned to us and started demanding cell phones and cash, before shooting randomly.”

“This area is a danger zone. It is survival of the fittest. Week in and week out the killing of people is normal. Criminals here have control. They are known but no one wants to talk because they will be in danger,” said one resident.

Another resident said the absence of visible law enforcement has a devastating impact on communities.

Informal areas are difficult to police. Congested shacks in Marikana continue to provide cover for criminals. It is difficult for police vehicles to drive between the shacks. Many residents say the community has been left to fend for itself and the state has little control over the area.

“The trust between police and the community is not there, and the criminals take advantage. Here, you defend yourself or you become a victim of something like this,” said another resident.

Shebeens in informal settlements, like this one, generally operate without a license and are open until early in the morning.

On 18 October there was also massacre in Philippi East in Better Life, about 500 meters away. Seven men were found shot dead and their bodies partially burnt.

And on 12 October the body of off-duty City law enforcement officer Yonke Pakade was discovered with multiple stab wounds in Marikana, after he was kidnapped the previous day.

See also: Cape Flats murders are rising

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