A manhunt is underway in South Africa after a deadly shooting at a tavern near Johannesburg killed at least nine people and wounded ten others in the early hours of Sunday, police said. The attack has shocked the community and prompted a large-scale police response as authorities search for the perpetrators.
The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. local time at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal, a township southwest of Johannesburg. According to police statements, approximately twelve unknown suspects arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan, opening fire on patrons both inside the venue and outside on the streets before fleeing the scene. The sudden violence left the area in chaos, with emergency services rushing to assist the wounded, and witnesses describing scenes of panic and confusion.
South African police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, deploying national and provincial crime scene management teams to investigate. Acting Police Commissioner Fred Kekana confirmed that serious crime investigators, crime intelligence units, and local criminal record centres are on site, working to gather evidence and statements from witnesses. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could aid in the search, emphasizing the urgency of capturing those responsible.
Casualties from the attack include nine confirmed fatalities and ten individuals who were injured and transported to nearby hospitals. Among the dead is a driver for a ride-hailing service who was outside the tavern at the time of the shooting, highlighting the random nature of the violence. The wounded are receiving medical treatment, with their conditions yet to be fully disclosed by officials, though some are reported to be in critical condition.
This incident underscores the persistent issue of gun violence in South Africa, a country with one of the highest murder rates in the world. Recent crime statistics indicate that murder hit a 20-year high last year, with someone killed approximately every 20 minutes, and mass shootings are not uncommon in such contexts. A similar attack weeks earlier at an unlicensed tavern in Saulsville township near Pretoria claimed a dozen lives, including a child, pointing to a pattern of violence in informal settings.
The motive behind the Bekkersdal shooting remains unclear, and police have not identified any suspects or groups responsible, though investigations are focusing on possible links to criminal activities or business disputes. Initial media reports varied on the death toll, but authorities have settled on nine fatalities after verification, and the investigation is ongoing to prevent further violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In response to the shooting, local communities and leaders have expressed concern over safety and the need for stronger measures to combat crime, citing South Africa’s high levels of violence often linked to criminal enterprises and competition among informal businesses. As the manhunt continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling such tragedies, with updates expected in the coming days.
