National Importance 📍by Site C Khayelitsha.
On Friday morning, March 13, 2026, an extortionist shot and killed two men who were waiting in line to buy items at a spaza shop in Samora Machel, Philippi. The gunman emerged from a Toyota Avanza, mumbling to himself and saying, "You think I'm playing?" He then shouted at one of the men to get his attention, but when he attempted to shoot him in the back, the gun jammed. One of the accomplices urged the gunman to shoot and stop talking. Both victims were executed in front of two young children who were inside the store.
Comment: Such shootings occur in Philippi when a new extortionist group wants to send a strong message to foreign shop owners who refuse to pay a protection fee. Often, these shop owners fear for their lives and, during arguments, might call extortionists, believing the other party is part of a gang. Many innocent people have died because of this.