PHILIPPI EAST - Families of the nine deceased people shot and killed at a Philippi tavern are demanding the immediate arrest of the two outstanding suspects.
A 19-year-old has since been arrested.
Three gunmen opened fire at patrons and the tavern owner during an alleged extortion attack, killing nine people.
Residents of the Marikana informal settlement paid their respects to the victims at a memorial service.
The family of tavern owner Chwaita Klaas alleges she had previously been shot for a similar crime.
READ: Teen faces multiple charges after Philippi East mass shooting
Before they were killed, Klaas, Heinrich Opperman, Mfanelo, Zweloxolo Mnqayi, Marlo Fisher, Bongisa Mbengu, Lukhanyo Mnyango, and Thembelani Gawulait had been robbed of their money and cellphones.
Their families say they are broken.
While religious leaders are calling for long-term solutions to deal with crime, activists argue the province should declare gun violence a state of disaster.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Bheki Manxiwa will return to court next Monday for a bail hearing, which the state plans to oppose.
- eNCA's Nobesuthu Hejana reports.