Marikana mass shooting: Witnesses will testify that 4 accused are to blame - State

The prosecution in the case against four men linked to a deadly mass shooting in the Marikana informal settlement said witnesses will testify that the accused are responsible for the attack.

Four people, including a 39-year-old shebeen owner, were shot and killed on Saturday.

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Simphiwe Gova, Siphosethu Thembani, Ayakha Sigidi and Anele Williams were arrested this week and appeared in court on Wednesday.

The State believes the group is part of an extortion syndicate that has been terrorising the Marikana community.

State prosecutor Nwabisa Sishuba said a witness claims the accused confronted him on the day of the attack and opened fire at him.

"It's alleged that on the 7th of March 2026, the witness saw the accused, all four known to him. They came to him and asked him what he was doing. Accused three then took out a firearm and started shooting at him. Indication is that he ran, and all four chased after him."

Sishuba said the men face charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

"On 9 March 2026, police went to trace the suspects and found accused four and arrested him. A 9mm was found on his waist with 11 rounds. There is an indication that he was pointed out by witnesses. On the same date, the tracing of the outstanding accused was made. There is an indication that the witnesses pointed them out, and they found a Beretta 9mm pistol on the waist of accused three."