Manhunt launched in South Africa after tavern shooting kills nine, injures 10 near Johannesburg
South African authorities have launched a manhunt after gunmen opened fire at a crowded tavern near Johannesburg, killing nine people and wounding at least 10 others in one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings in recent weeks.
The attack occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday at the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, a township about 45 kilometres west of Johannesburg. Police said a group of about 12 suspects arrived at the scene in a white minibus and a silver sedan, before opening fire on patrons inside the pub.
According to police, the attackers continued shooting indiscriminately as they fled the area, with some victims reportedly shot in nearby streets.
“Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” police said in a statement.
Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, Gauteng’s acting provincial commissioner, told The Associated Press that the assailants, some of whom wore balaclavas, were armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and several 9mm pistols.
Investigations are being led by Gauteng’s Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit, working alongside the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, as authorities intensify efforts to track down those responsible.
The latest attack comes amid growing concern over a spate of mass shootings at taverns, commonly known as shebeens, across South Africa. Earlier this month, at least 12 people were killed and 13 others injured when gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed bar near the capital, Pretoria.
