Court denies bail for 19-year-old linked to deadly Philippi East tavern shooting

The 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the deadly Philippi East tavern mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine people earlier this month has confessed to the killings.

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that Bheki Manxiwa faces charges including murder, attempted murder and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances following the attack, which has left the community reeling.

NPA regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the matter was postponed until February 2 to allow for the compilation of a full bail profile and further investigation following the acccused apearance at the Athlone Magistrates' Court. The case has been enrolled as a Schedule 6 offence, meaning the accused bears the onus of convincing the court that it would be in the interests of justice for him to be released on bail. The State has indicated it will oppose any bail application.

According to allegations presented in court, the accused and several others had been drinking at a different location before one of the suspects brought a firearm fitted with an extended magazine to another individual. The group then allegedly travelled to a tavern in the Marikana area of Philippi East.

Once inside the tavern, a woman identified as a co-owner of the establishment and several patrons were shot. Nine people died as a result of their injuries, while another patron was critically wounded and remains in hospital.

The State further alleges that after the shooting, the accused robbed the deceased victims of their cellphones and money.

The NPA said the accused is linked to the mass shooting through a confession he allegedly made to two individuals, as well as through witness testimony. Police investigations are continuing, with three additional witnesses still to be interviewed. These witnesses are expected to further implicate the accused in the commission of the crime.

Due to ongoing investigative processes, the court has ordered that no frontal images of the accused may be published. An identification parade is still to be conducted, and the restriction remains in place to protect the integrity of that process.

Meanwhile, Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has welcomed the arrest, describing it as a significant breakthrough in a case that has deeply traumatised residents of Philippi East and surrounding areas.

“While this arrest will not undo the devastating loss of life, it does signal progress in holding those responsible accountable,” Marais said.

“It is imperative that no stone is left unturned. The families of the victims and communities living in fear deserve justice that is decisive,” Marais added.

She also praised the work of detectives, crime intelligence and operational police members, and thanked members of the public who provided information that assisted in the arrest.

“Community cooperation remains critical in the fight against violent crime. I want to commend those who came forward with information and encourage others to continue working with law enforcement to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book,” she said.

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