At least nine people were killed early Sunday after a group of gunmen stormed the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, a township west of Johannesburg, and opened fire on patrons, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police said the attackers arrived shortly before 1 a.m. local time in two vehicles, described as a white van and a silver sedan, before shooting inside the tavern and continuing to fire outside as people fled.
Deaths and injuries
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said three people were killed inside the tavern, with six more fatally shot outside, including a passing driver. At least 10 others were injured and taken for medical treatment, authorities said.
Jake Paul’s broken jaw confirmed after Anthony Joshua’s KO in Miami
Suspects and weapons described by witnesses
SAPS said the exact number of attackers was not immediately confirmed, but eyewitnesses reported about 12 suspects, believed to be men, armed with multiple pistols and at least one AK-47-style rifle.
Police said witnesses reported that the assailants searched some victims and stole valuables, including cellphones, before fleeing.
Investigation and motive
Authorities said the motive was not yet known and that a manhunt was underway as investigators collected forensic evidence and pursued leads.
About Bekkersdal and township taverns
Bekkersdal is in Gauteng’s West Rand area, historically tied to mining and marked by high unemployment and poverty. The tavern was described as operating like a shebeen, an informal neighborhood bar common in many South African townships.
Sources:
Reuters – “Nine killed, 10 injured in South Africa shooting, police hunt for suspects”
Associated Press – “Multiple gunmen open fire at a South African pub, killing 9 and wounding 10”
