Police are searching for a third suspect in the Philippi East mass shooting case that left eight people dead and two others injured in January. Two accused men, Nkcubeo Libala and Bheki Manxiwa, appeared together in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for the first time, according to GroundUp.

The state alleges the pair were among three gunmen who entered a shebeen in the Marikana informal settlement on 17 January, robbed patrons of cellphones and cash, and then opened fire on the owner and customers. Police believe the attack may be linked to extortion, a crime residents say has become entrenched in the area.

Accused remain behind bars

Manxiwa was arrested a week after the shooting, while Libala was arrested on 20 February, GroundUp reported. On Thursday, the court ordered both men to remain in custody until June while the state completes its investigation.

That court appearance came as residents described life in Marikana as gripped by fear. One resident following the case told GroundUp that the shebeen where the shooting happened closed for a few weeks, but has since reopened. “It is business as usual,” he said.

Residents say violence has not eased

The same resident said another similar shooting later took place at a shebeen in the area. GroundUp cited a police statement dated 8 March saying four people were shot dead and one person was injured in a yard by two gunmen.

Residents say the violence has continued despite the deployment of soldiers. According to the resident quoted by GroundUp, army presence has been limited and has not made a noticeable difference to crime levels in Marikana.

Fear hangs over Philippi

The latest court developments have sharpened attention on the wider crisis facing Philippi East, where extortion, shootings and intimidation continue to shape daily life. One resident told GroundUp that people are now too scared to leave their homes, while others have packed up and moved away because life in Philippi has become too difficult.

The case will return to court in June, while police continue their hunt for the third alleged gunman.