CAPE TOWN - Western Cape police say they are on the trail of two additional suspects linked to the Marikana mass shooting.
Nine of the ten people shot were killed, including the tavern owner.
It is believed that three gunmen entered the tavern and demanded protection money. The tavern owner reportedly refused, saying she had already paid another gang.
Nineteen-year-old Bheki Manxiwa appeared in the Athlone magistrate’s court on Monday.
He faces nine counts of murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted murder.
The court heard that Manxiwa and his co-accused had been drinking at another location before heading to the Marikana informal settlement.
The National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape says Manxiwa faces Schedule 6 offences, with more charges likely to be added.
Police would not confirm whether all the shooters are from Philippi East but say the search for the two outstanding suspects has been expanded across the province.
Manxiwa will return to court next Monday and remains in custody.
- eNCA’s Nobesuthu Hejana reports.