South African police have launched an intensive manhunt after nine people were shot dead and 10 others wounded during a late-night attack at a licensed tavern in a township west of Johannesburg, authorities said on Sunday.
The shooting took place shortly after 1:00 a.m. local time in Bekkersdal, a densely populated community near the mining town of Westonaria, according to police statements.
Police said a group of about 12 armed men, traveling in two vehicles, arrived at the tavern and opened fire on customers inside the venue before continuing to shoot indiscriminately as they fled the area.
“The suspects fired at tavern patrons and continued shooting randomly while escaping,” police said, adding that no arrests had yet been made and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while forensic teams cordoned off the scene to collect evidence.
Authorities confirmed the tavern was operating legally at the time of the attack. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and appealing to witnesses to come forward with information that could help identify the attackers.
No group has claimed responsibility, and police have not indicated whether the shooting is believed to be linked to organized crime, gang violence, or another motive.
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The attack shows South Africa’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data for 2023–2024, the country records about 45 murders per 100,000 people, one of the highest homicide rates globally.
Mass shootings at taverns and social venues have become a recurring feature of South Africa’s crime landscape, often occurring in the early hours of the morning and involving multiple attackers.
Police said additional patrols have been deployed in the area as the investigation continues.
Authorities confirmed the tavern was operating legally at the time of the attack, and it held all the necessary licenses required under local regulations. Investigators are meticulously reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, residential buildings, and traffic cameras in an effort to track the movements of the suspects before and after the shooting.
Police have also issued an urgent appeal to members of the public who may have witnessed the attack, or who have information about the vehicles and individuals involved, to come forward and assist with the investigation.
At this stage, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether the shooting is suspected to be linked to organized crime, local gang activity, personal disputes, or another motive. Investigators are keeping all possible leads open while forensic teams continue to collect evidence from the scene to piece together a clear timeline of the events.
