Minister Marais condemns Philippi East mass shooting

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has strongly condemned the brutal murder of seven men in Better Life Informal Settlement, Philippi East, on the evening of 17 October.

Minister Marais has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to spare no effort in tracking down the perpetrators of this heinous crime, including those who provided the firearms. Minister Marais has emphasised the critical importance of thorough investigations that result in successful prosecutions and the imposition of hefty sentences.

Minister Marais said, "These are not just random acts of violence. They are coordinated, violent assaults on communities already under siege. We cannot allow these killings to become a norm. Those responsible must face the full might of the law, and that includes those who put weapons in their hands."

Minister Marais also stressed the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in fighting crime and restoring safety. We need to create healthier communities to stem the tide of violent crime. She appealed to community members to come forward with any information that can assist SAPS in their investigation.

"We need our communities to stand with us and stand together," she added. "The police cannot do this alone. If you saw something, say something. We will not win this fight without your help."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
 

Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt, Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za