By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have launched a manhunt after four people were shot and killed in the Marikana informal settlement, Philippi East, on Saturday evening.
According to a preliminary report, three men and a woman died, while another person was injured.
The incident occurred around 21:30 on Disa Road, when two gunmen entered the yard and opened fire, police said.
No arrests have been made. Serious violent crime detectives are leading the investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact police at 08600 10111.
Informal areas seems to be difficult for police. Congested shacks in Marikana continue to provide cover for criminals. It is difficult for police vehicles to drive between the shacks.
On 18 October there was also massacre in Philippi East in Better Life, about 500 meters away. Seven men were found shot dead and their bodies partially burnt.
And on 12 October the body of off-duty City law enforcement officer Yonke Pakade was discovered with multiple stab wounds in Marikana, after he was kidnapped the previous day.
In a separate incident, SAPS have seized drugs worth an estimated R2.8 million during operations at OR Tambo International Airport.
According to police, the first discovery was made on Wednesday during routine inspections at a cargo warehouse. Officers found crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2.2 million that had been prepared for shipment from South Africa to the Philippines.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the drugs were intercepted during normal day-to-day monitoring of cargo moving through the airport.
“During routine day to day operations, police made the first discovery of crystal meth worth R2.2 million at a cargo warehouse on Wednesday, 04 March 2026. The meth was destined for the Philippines from SA.”
A second drug bust followed a day later when police uncovered eight large boxes containing dagga valued at about R672,000.
“The dagga was shipped from Morocco and was destined to South Africa.”
Mathe confirmed that authorities are now working to identify the people responsible for the shipments.
A month earlier, a 39-year-old Brazilian man was also arrested at OR Tambo after landing from São Paulo. Cocaine worth R1.4 million was found wrapped around his thighs while he was in transit to Benin, West Africa.