Cape Town, South Africa – A pre-dawn shooting in Marikana, near Cape Town, has left seven people dead, including one woman, according to police reports. The incident occurred early Saturday morning and has prompted a large-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.
Police confirmed that the victims were between 30 and 50 years old. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the attack and are receiving medical treatment.
Initial investigations suggest the shooting, which took place shortly after midnight, may be linked to extortion activities prevalent in the region. Authorities have not yet apprehended any suspects. The motive is under investigation.
This incident is the latest in a series of mass shootings to plague South Africa, highlighting a broader issue of organized crime and corruption within the country. In December, separate attacks on a hostel and a bar resulted in the deaths of approximately 24 people, including children. The nation continues to grapple with a surge in violent crime.
Saturday’s shooting occurred in the Cape Flats area, a region notorious for gang activity and high crime rates. Over two thousand murders were recorded in the area during the first nine months of 2025, underscoring the severity of the situation. Law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to address the escalating violence and bring those responsible to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.
