A large-scale manhunt is underway in South Africa following a deadly mass shooting at a tavern in the township of Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, that left nine people dead and at least ten others wounded early Sunday morning, police said.
According to authorities, around 12 unidentified suspects arrived at the licensed KwaNoxolo Tavern just before 1 a.m. in a white Kombi minibus and a silver sedan and opened fire on patrons inside the venue. The gunmen then continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene, striking people both inside the bar and on nearby streets.
Emergency responders transported the injured to local hospitals for treatment, while law enforcement agencies — including the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit and the Crime Detection Tracing Unit — have launched an active search for the perpetrators. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or determined a motive.
The tragedy has shocked the Bekkersdal community and underscored the persistent challenges South Africa faces with violent crime and illegal firearms. Police have appealed for public assistance, urging anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.
