South African police have launched a nationwide manhunt following a deadly mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, that claimed the lives of nine people and left at least 10 others injured.
According to police, seven men and two women were killed when around 12 unidentified gunmen arrived at the tavern in two vehicles in the early hours of Sunday. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on patrons before fleeing the scene.
The shooting occurred at about 1:00am local time. Authorities say the assailants continued firing as people tried to escape, spreading panic and chaos in the crowded venue.
Deputy provincial police commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana described the attack as unprovoked, noting that the victims were simply socialising when the gunmen struck. He confirmed that the suspects were armed with handguns and at least one AK-47 rifle.
Two of the victims were shot outside the tavern as they attempted to flee, while another was a taxi driver who had just dropped off a passenger nearby and was caught in the crossfire.
Residents who rushed to the scene described a harrowing aftermath. Eyewitnesses said bodies were scattered across the floor, with some injured people so badly hurt that community members had to transport them to a nearby clinic using wheelbarrows before ambulances arrived.
Locals say gun violence has become a frequent occurrence in Bekkersdal, especially at night. Some residents described regular gunfire after dark, saying criminal groups operate freely and have turned the area into a constant zone of fear.
Municipal deputy mayor Nontombi Molatlhegi said residents were terrified to come forward with information, warning that fear and intimidation were hindering investigations. She added that police resources in the area were stretched thin and called on the national government to deploy the military to help restore safety.
South Africa continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime. Police statistics show that an average of 63 people were murdered daily between April and September this year. Many killings are linked to robberies, disputes, and gang-related violence, though the motive for the Bekkersdal attack remains unclear.
Gun violence remains a major concern nationwide. Experts estimate that while about three million firearms are legally owned in South Africa, a similar number of illegal weapons are believed to be in circulation.
Recent months have seen a troubling rise in mass shootings, particularly at taverns and informal drinking spots known as shebeens. Although advocacy groups report a slight decline in such incidents in 2025 compared to previous years, deadly attacks continue to shock communities across the country.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the Bekkersdal shooting to come forward as investigations continue.