English
BEKKERSDAL, South Africa — A South Africa pub shooting killed nine people and wounded at least ten others early Sunday. The attack struck a crowded tavern in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg. Police said gunmen opened fire shortly before 1 a.m. local time. The shooting happened at KwaNoxolo tavern in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal. Authorities called it the second mass shooting in South Africa within three weeks. Fear spread quickly through the community as residents fled for safety.
Gunmen arrive in vehicles and open fire
Police said about 12 suspects arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan. They stormed the tavern and fired repeatedly at patrons inside. The attackers then continued shooting as they escaped through nearby streets.
Some victims collapsed inside the tavern. Others fell outside while trying to flee. Police said gunmen shot several people at random during the escape. Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana spoke to reporters at the scene. He said some suspects wore balaclavas to hide their identities. Officers recovered evidence of one AK-47 rifle and several 9mm pistols.
Innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire
Police did not release full victim details. However, officials confirmed that an e-hailing driver died at the scene. The driver had just dropped off a customer near the tavern. “He was shot and killed,” said police spokesperson Brig. Brenda Muridili. The news deepened anger and grief among local residents. “Follow PhoenixQ to keep up with every important update.”
Many residents gathered near the tavern as police secured the area.
Manhunt launched across Gauteng
Police launched a manhunt for the suspects hours after the attack. Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations lead the operation. The Crime Detection Tracing Unit also joined the search. Officers urged witnesses to share any information. Investigators continue to analyze ballistic evidence and CCTV footage. Authorities promised swift action against those responsible.
Part of a wider violence crisis
Mass shootings at taverns remain a grim pattern in South Africa. Similar attacks have hit bars, shebeens, and unlicensed taverns nationwide. Earlier this month, another tavern shooting killed at least 12 people. In 2022, gunmen killed 16 people at a bar in Soweto. On the same day, another province recorded four more bar deaths. These incidents highlight the country’s deep violence crisis.
South Africa recorded nearly 26,000 homicides in 2024. That equals more than 70 killings each day on average. Firearms caused most of these deaths, officials said. Despite strict gun laws, illegal firearms remain widespread. Authorities say criminals often use unlicensed weapons. The South Africa pub shooting has renewed calls for stronger enforcement.
