South Africa Mass Shooting: Manhunt Launched After Gunmen Kill Nine in Bekkersdal Tavern Attack
A major police manhunt is under way after a mass shooting at a tavern in South Africa left nine people dead and 10 others injured, authorities said.
South African police confirmed that seven men and two women were killed in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, when about 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons in the early hours of Sunday.
Police say gunmen opened fire randomly
The attack happened at around 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT Saturday). Police said the assailants shot indiscriminately as people tried to flee, sparking panic inside and around the tavern.
Deputy provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the attack appeared unprovoked. The gunmen were armed with handguns and an AK-47-style rifle, he said.
“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” Kekana said.
Two victims were shot outside while attempting to escape, and another was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby, police added.
Community shaken by violence
Residents described chaotic scenes after the shooting. Nokuthula Bhukwana, who arrived shortly after hearing gunfire, told Reuters that many people were lying on the floor when doors were opened.
“We called the police and ambulances, and some injured people had to be taken to a clinic using wheelbarrows,” she said.
Another local resident told Newzroom Afrika that night-time gunfire has become common in the area, calling the violence “terrorising” for the community.
Officials call for stronger security response
Bekkersdal falls under a municipality where leaders say fear is preventing residents from identifying suspects. Deputy mayor Nontombi Molatlhegi said police were under-resourced and urged national authorities to deploy the military to help protect communities.
“We are crying for the intervention of the national government so the army can be visible in this space,” she said.
Gun violence a persistent problem in South Africa
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates. Police statistics show an average of 63 people were killed every day between April and September this year.
While many murders are linked to arguments, robberies and gang violence, the motive for the Bekkersdal tavern attack remains unclear.
The country has an estimated three million legally owned firearms, with at least a similar number of illegal weapons in circulation, according to figures cited by the South African Gunowners’ Association.
Rise in mass shootings at taverns
The attack follows a series of deadly incidents across the country. Earlier this month, at least 11 people, including a child, were killed in a shooting near Pretoria.
Researchers from Gun Free South Africa say mass shootings—defined as incidents where four or more people are killed or injured—have risen sharply since 2020. Taverns and informal drinking spots, known locally as shebeens, are among the most common locations.
Police said investigations are continuing and urged anyone with information to come forward as the search for the suspects intensifies.
