General

Gunmen took the lives of seven individuals in a township near Cape Town, South Africa, early on Saturday. Police believe this shooting is connected to extortion. This incident adds to a series of mass shootings that have troubled the nation of 63 million people. According to a police statement, “We are looking into a shooting incident in Marikana that resulted in seven deaths—one woman and six men aged between 30 and 50.” The attack, which happened just after midnight, also left three others injured and is thought to be tied to extortion activities in the area. Police noted that the suspects escaped and no arrests have been made yet. They have started a manhunt and are continuing their investigation. South Africa, known as the most industrialized country on the continent, faces ongoing issues with crime and corruption linked to organized groups. Police data shows that, on average, about 63 people were killed each day from July to September last year. In December, two mass shootings occurred, one at a hostel and another at a bar, resulting in the deaths of around 24 people, including several children. The recent shooting took place in the Cape Flats area, known for its gang violence, where more than 2,000 murders were reported in the first nine months of 2025.