Massacre at Philippi East Tavern: Eight Gunned Down in Suspected Extortion-Related Attack
Cape Town – A brutal shooting at a tavern in Philippi East has left eight people dead and three others injured, prompting a massive police investigation. The incident occurred in the Marikana informal settlement shortly after midnight on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Western Cape police have confirmed that the victims, comprising six men and one woman, were aged between 30 and 50. They were fatally shot at approximately 12:15am. The three injured men were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
According to Provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut, the suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the horrific crime.
Colonel Traut indicated that the police believe the massacre is linked to extortion activities prevalent in the area. This suggests a possible motive for the attack, with the tavern potentially being targeted for failing to comply with extortion demands.
“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 stated.
The severity of the crime has prompted a high-level response from the Western Cape Police. Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile and his management team are expected to visit the crime scene to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing investigations into the multiple murder.
Detectives from the provincial serious and violent crimes unit have been mobilised and have launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators. They are working tirelessly to gather evidence, identify suspects, and bring those responsible to justice.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in solving this heinous crime.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. The police have assured the public that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The massacre at the Philippi East tavern underscores the ongoing challenges of crime and violence facing communities in Cape Town. The police are determined to bring the perpetrators to book and send a clear message that such acts of brutality will not be tolerated. The investigation continues, with detectives pursuing all leads in their quest for justice for the victims and their families.
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