UPDATE: Mass Shooting in Marikana leaves 8 dead, 2 injured

17 January 2026

Cape Town police have confirmed that an eighth victim of a mass shooting in Marikana informal settlement late on Friday night has died in hospital due to injuries sustained.

An investigation is underway into a mass shooting that initially killed seven people on the scene, with three others injured.

According to the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, the shooting took place shortly after midnight, at around 00:15 on Friday, 17 January 2026, at a shebeen on Protea Road.

The victims who died include one woman and six men, all aged between 30 and 50.

Police did not release the sex of the 8th victim, who has now passed away in the hospital.

Two men remain in hospital, with eight cases of murder and two of attempted murder now being investigated.

At this stage, police believe the incident may be linked to extortion-related activity in the area. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.

The South African Police Service has condemned the attack in the strongest terms and says it is committed to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice. The suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated as confidential.

Meanwhile, the MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has revealed more details about the shooting.

She says preliminary reports suggest three armed males entered the premises while it was operating and opened fire on patrons.

According to Marais, the tavern owner is among the dead.

The MEC has extended her condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.

“I urge SAPS to deploy a strong, specialised investigation team to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are swiftly identified, apprehended, and made to face the full might of the law.”

“Communities are living in constant fear as criminals run rampant. The SAPS must urgently resource all priority precincts and fill vacancies so that all serious crimes are solved and those responsible are prosecuted.”

Premier Alan Winde has indicated that he and MEC Marais will be meeting with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia within the next three weeks to discuss urgent policing needs in the province.

*This article has been updated since it was first published

WSAR Rescue teams in high demand this summer season

Danielle Mentoor

16 January 2026

wsar - hikers summer wsar — Image supplied

While many residents and visitors enjoyed a summer weekend with family and friends, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers were once again on the front lines, responding to multiple incidents across the Western Cape in exceptionally hot and demanding conditions.

The festive season has placed sustained pressure on rescue services. During December alone, WSAR teams responded to 25 incidents, with a further 13 already recorded in January.

The past weekend saw three separate operations, ranging from a technically complex stretcher rescue on Lion’s Head to helicopter-assisted evacuations in Jonkershoek and Platteklip Gorge.

On Saturday morning, teams were called to Lion’s Head after a 28-year-old hiker injured her leg while descending the trail above the first ladder. After being assessed and treated on scene by a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, she was secured in a stretcher.

Due to the steep and exposed terrain, rescuers set up rope systems to safely lower her down technical sections of the trail. She was later transported by ambulance to hospital.

On Sunday afternoon, rescue teams were deployed to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch, where a 57-year-old hiker had fallen near the First Waterfall. Given the terrain and her injuries, an EMS/Air Mercy Service rescue helicopter was requested.

She was hoisted from the trail and flown to a nearby landing zone before being taken to hospital. This incident concluded shortly before 16h00.

Later that day, teams responded to Platteklip Gorge to assist two hikers from the Netherlands, aged 56 and 66, suffering from heat exhaustion. Both were evacuated by helicopter, with the incident concluding at 18h18.

[LISTEN] Does Lion’s Head Actually Look Like a Lion?

16 January 2026

Joburg content creator Ryan Smith rolled into Cape Town with a hot take that had locals *fuming*: Lion’s Head doesn’t actually look like a lion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Smith (@ryan.smith)

Before jetting off [please stay Ryan! We wanna show you something lol], he messaged Angel and team defending himself and his fellow Joburgers and the sane Capetonians who know what Lion’s Head actually is.

But here’s the thing—Ryan might have a point. While Angel Campey and Dean are swearing they can *totally* see the lion, Eugene’s suggesting that maybe someone’s had a little too much festive cheer and tree-based recreation. (We’re not saying edibles, but… if it looks like a duck…)

This got the debate going on the show, and honestly? We’re living for the chaos and Capetonians try settle this once and for all: is Cape Town’s most iconic landmark actually just an elaborate optical illusion, or is Ryan just a jealous “Vallie” with trolling skills to level 3000?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Its 50/50 it seems.

Thank you Ryan for visiting and enjoying what our beautiful city! We love you!

City’s Safety and Security Directorate Brings Joy to Children at St Joseph’s Paediatric Care Facility

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

16 January 2026

Laughter and excitement filled the halls of St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care Facility in Montana, as the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate handed over educational toys worth over R30,000 to the children at the centre earlier today.

The toys were bought with proceeds from a fundraising fun run hosted by the Directorate last October at the Rondebosch Common, which saw more than 500 participants from across the department come together for a good cause.

Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee stressed that the initiative was about more than just raising funds, but bringing joy to those in need.

“It’s about connecting with some of our most vulnerable residents and showing them that their community cares. I want to commend the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.”

St Joseph’s, a non-profit organisation (NGO) plays a unique role in the lives of medically fragile children, acting as a transitional facility between hospital and home. Children typically spend six months at the centre, receiving free nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and guidance for their parents on medical conditions and medication adherence.

Sister Audrey Gourrah, Head of Nursing at St Joseph’s expressed sincere gratitude to all those involved in making the hand over possible.

“What made today especially meaningful wasn’t just the toys, it was seeing our children celebrated, engaged, and included. It really reflects the spirit of community that underpins our work.”

The event brought together staff from various branches of the Directorate, including Fire & Rescue, Disaster Risk Management, and Therapy Services, who shared smiles and laughter with the children while presenting the toys.

Department of Social Development Refutes False Reports on SRD Grant

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

16 January 2026

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has distanced itself from posts circulating on social media, claiming that the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant is due to end.

The SRD grant provides temporary financial assistance to vulnerable South Africans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amid uncertainty over the future of the SRD grant, Acting Head of Communication Sandy Godlwana says DSD has issued a stern warning against the spread of misleading information.

“The Department further cautions that it is unlawful to use the official image of the Minister or the Department’s logo without authorisation, particularly for the purpose of spreading misinformation. Such actions are misleading and constitute a misrepresentation of government communication.”

While the SRD grant will continue for the time being, the government has not yet made a decision regarding its status beyond March 2027.

Oliver Meth, Head of Communications at Black Sash, says the panic caused by the fake news highlights just how heavily many disadvantaged South Africans rely on the grant.

“The panic caused by the rumours reminds us that people depend on the grant to survive. Our position is clear: the grant should not only continue, but be made permanent and extended beyond a temporary intervention.”

Godlwana urges the public to disregard social media videos and posts making unverified claims and to rely solely on official government communication channels for updates.

“DSD strongly discourages the creation and circulation of fake news that causes unnecessary panic and distress among social grant beneficiaries.”

Official information is published through:

Department of Social Development (DSD) website
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
National Development Agency (NDA) official platforms
Verified government social media pages
DSD WhatsApp Channel

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UPDATE: Mass Shooting in Marikana leaves 8 dead, 2 injured

“I urge SAPS to deploy a strong, specialised investigation team to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are swiftly identified, apprehended, and made to face the full might of the law.”

“Communities are living in constant fear as criminals run rampant. The SAPS must urgently resource all priority precincts and fill vacancies so that all serious crimes are solved and those responsible are prosecuted.”

WSAR Rescue teams in high demand this summer season

[LISTEN] Does Lion’s Head Actually Look Like a Lion?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Its 50/50 it seems.

Thank you Ryan for visiting and enjoying what our beautiful city! We love you!

City’s Safety and Security Directorate Brings Joy to Children at St Joseph’s Paediatric Care Facility

“It’s about connecting with some of our most vulnerable residents and showing them that their community cares. I want to commend the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to making a difference every day.”

“What made today especially meaningful wasn’t just the toys, it was seeing our children celebrated, engaged, and included. It really reflects the spirit of community that underpins our work.”

Department of Social Development Refutes False Reports on SRD Grant

“The Department further cautions that it is unlawful to use the official image of the Minister or the Department’s logo without authorisation, particularly for the purpose of spreading misinformation. Such actions are misleading and constitute a misrepresentation of government communication.”

“The panic caused by the rumours reminds us that people depend on the grant to survive. Our position is clear: the grant should not only continue, but be made permanent and extended beyond a temporary intervention.”

“DSD strongly discourages the creation and circulation of fake news that causes unnecessary panic and distress among social grant beneficiaries.”

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