South African police have launched a manhunt after a deadly shooting at a licensed tavern in a township near Johannesburg left nine people dead and at least 10 others injured.
The incident occurred in Bekkersdal in the early hours of Sunday, at about 01:00 local time. Police said approximately 12 unidentified gunmen arrived at the tavern in two vehicles, opened fire on patrons, and continued shooting indiscriminately as they fled the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the attackers escaped before officers arrived, and investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack. No arrests have been made so far, and police have appealed to members of the public with information to come forward.
The latest shooting adds to growing concerns over violent crime in South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates globally. According to figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for 2023–2024, the country records about 45 murders per 100,000 people.
The Bekkersdal attack comes just weeks after another mass shooting near Pretoria, where at least 11 people, including a child, were killed at a hostel.
Police said they have intensified patrols in the area as investigations continue, while community leaders have renewed calls for stronger measures to curb gun violence and improve public safety.
Melissa Enoch
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