Despite police stepping up security and deploying a new station commander in Philippi East, the residents of the Marikana informal settlement still fear an escalation of violence, with many choosing to send their children away to neighbouring communities to ensure their safety.
Residents who spoke to the Cape Times, said tensions were still simmering between the street patrollers and suspected criminals, with friends and families of those slain - on both sides - continuing to harbour anger and revenge for the killings.
The suspected criminals have been described by residents as a loose alliance of teenagers, who carry knives and guns.
Last month, street patrollers from Marikana clashed with suspected criminals thought to be from nearby Lower Crossroads, in Philippi East.
The senseless violence that ensued led to 18 people being murdered in the space of 72 hours.
Those who lost their lives have since been buried, with some funerals taking place in the Eastern Cape at the weekend, where their families live.
The 11 people killed on September 29 were: Lubabalo Jokazi, 25. Vumile Laho, 27, Andile Ngqengqiswa, 33, Ntandazo Magwaxaza, 35, Tembinkosi Ludidi, 25, Sandile Lizo, Zola Kanyiso, 59, Sandisile Liso, 21, Simon Mokwetsepe, a Namibian man known only as "Matewa" and an unidentified victim.
The seven people slain on the night of September 26 were: Patrick Mxata, 19, Kwanele Dumani, 20, Ndimphiwe Dyosi, 23, Luvo Mzazela, 23, Vuyisani Mathandada, 28, Yanga Mtalana, 21, and the youngest, 15-year-old Zusakhe Bojane.
Since the deaths much progress has been made behind the scenes, with community leaders describing Marikana as a “thriving and deeply introspective community”.
But residents are not so sure, saying fear is still palpable.
The Marikana informal settlement, which is divided into five sections, is home to thousands of families.
Residents say the community is quiet and safe during the day, but the reality is that people are still locking themselves in their homes at sunset.
“Some places are still no-go areas, especially at sunset,” community leader Xolani Tukwayo pointed out.
One parent, Bongiwe Jodwana, said: “Young people are dying like flies here and I don’t want my children to be affected.”
“There are places here that I cannot go to, even though I am an adult.
"Once the sun sets and it gets dark, it is risky to go out or send children to the shops,” Jodwana added.
Cecilia Mangaliso said she was sending her teenage son to stay with family members in Khayelitsha.
“My child will be corrupted and might end up being forced to join the gangs.
"I want him to stay out of this area,” she said.
Another resident Nosithembiso Kondile said not only was she afraid, but other residents were "also panicking and everybody is fearing for their safety”.
“We don’t know what will happen next, anything can happen here at any time,” said Kondile.
Mzazela’s stepfather Lungile Mngxuma wept, while recalling the night he was taken from their family home in Lower Crossroads by a vigilante group of about 150 people.
He said on the night of September 26, the mob came and banged on the door demanding to see Mzazela.
“They dragged him down the street.
"When I tried to look through the window they threatened me and told me to go back to sleep.
"Moments later Luvo (Mzazela) lay dead in the street.
"I don’t know what his crime was. I have questions that don’t have answers,” said Mngxuma.
He described Lunga as very quite.
“How can I forgive these people, when I don’t even know who killed my son.
I want justice for Luvo, only then can I begin to heal,” said Mngxuma.