Six months after Philippi mass murder, state asks for time to investigate

Six months after the Philippi mass murder, the state has requested time to investigate the case, according to prosecutors at Athlone Magistrates’ Court. The two suspects, Nkcubeko Libala and Bheki Manxiwa, appeared virtually in court on Tuesday. The prosecutor sought to postpone the case until August 25 to allow the state sufficient time to complete its investigation.

The suspects are accused of entering a shebeen in Marikana informal settlement on January 17 and opening fire, killing eight people, including the owner, and injuring two others. The case involves eight counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Magistrate Keith le Keur granted the postponement, warning that this would be the last time he permits such delays for further investigation.

The suspects confirmed to the magistrate that all was well while in Pollsmoor prison. Manxiwa was arrested a week after the shooting, while Libala was apprehended on February 20. The police have previously stated that they are searching for a third suspect who remains at large. The mass murder is also alleged to be extortion-related.

Community groups have called for urgent action against ongoing violence following another deadly weekend, which included three shooting incidents that claimed 11 lives on August 8.