Suspect arrested for mass murder in Phillipi East

Western Cape police have made a breakthrough by arresting a suspect following the mass murder exactly a week ago in Phillipi East. Eight men and a woman were fatally shot, and another injured after gunmen opened fire at a shebeen in the Marikana Informal Settlement in the early hours of last Saturday.

According to police, three suspects entered the shebeen just after midnight and fired several shots inside the shack. Six people died on the scene, while one succumbed to injuries en route to hospital whilst another died in hospital.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police confirmed that a few days later, another person who was seriously wounded during the shooting died from injuries sustained whilst hospitalised. One of the deceased, a woman, allegedly owned the shebeen,

SAPS suspects that the motive could be linked to extortion

Offciers has since arrested a 19-year-old suspect on Friday, in Zweletemba, Worcester, and has not ruled out additional arrests.

The suspect is expected to make a court appearance on Monday at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court facing nine counts of murder and an attempted murder.

‘’Western Cape SAPS management is commending the relentless efforts of all involved team members as more arrests are expected in due course,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi