Philippi East mass shooting: Police arrest five and seize firearms

Police in the Western Cape have confirmed the arrest of five suspects for the mass shooting incident in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East on Monday. 

A manhunt was launched after four people, three men and a woman, were killed and another was injured on Saturday, March 7, during a shooting incident in Disa Road at 9.30 pm.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said members from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, supported by the Combat Team, worked through the night in pursuit of the perpetrators. 

Potelwa welcomed the breakthrough made. 

“The arrests were effected early on Monday morning (March 9) as part of a tracing operation that was initiated after the shooting incident occurred on Disa Road in the Marikana informal settlement of Philippi East,” Potelwa said. 

She said five suspects were arrested and two firearms were recovered. 

“The tracing operation led to the arrests and confiscation of firearms that will be undergoing ballistics tests to determine if they were utilised in the commission of the murders and other crimes. The suspects between the ages of 25 and 35 have been charged with murder, attempted murder, as well as the illegal possession of firearms. They are expected to appear in court in due course. The motive for the incident is believed to be linked to the crime of extortion,” Potelwa said. 

Police have urged residents of the Marikana community to come forward with information about other crimes that were never reported and could be linked to the group arrested. 

Residents can contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Xengana at 072 348 2261.

All information received will be handled with the necessary care, protecting the identities of those who come forward.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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