Seven killed in Marikana shooting, police link incident to extortion
Seven lives were lost in a Marikana shooting linked to extortion.
Image: File
Western Cape police have confirmed that seven people were killed, and three others injured in a shooting at the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East shortly after midnight on Saturday.
The victims — six men and one woman aged between 30 and 50 — were shot at around 12:15am on January 17, 2026. The three injured men were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Police said the suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said the incident is believed to be linked to extortion activities in the area.
“The South African Police Service condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms and is committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are held accountable,” Traut said.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile and his management team are expected to visit the crime scene as part of ongoing investigations into the multiple murder. Detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes unit have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
Police have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information that may aid the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated as confidential.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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