Manhunt launched after gunmen kill nine in tavern attack near Johannesburg

SOUTH African police have launched a large-scale manhunt after nine people were shot dead and 10 others wounded in a pre-dawn attack at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal township, south-west of Johannesburg

Reuters reported on Sunday that South African authorities are searching for multiple suspects following a deadly early morning shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal township, south-west of Johannesburg, which left nine people dead and at least 10 others injured.

The South African Police Service said the attack occurred shortly before 1 a.m. local time at a licensed tavern in the township. According to police, about 12 unidentified suspects arrived at the scene in a white minibus and a silver sedan before opening fire on patrons inside the establishment.

Police said the attackers continued shooting indiscriminately as they fled the scene. The motive for the attack has not yet been established and will be determined through ongoing investigations.

The wounded were transported to nearby medical facilities to receive treatment, police said. No arrests had been reported as of Sunday, with authorities intensifying efforts to track down those responsible.

Bekkersdal forms part of the Rand West City local municipality and is described by local authorities as an area facing high levels of unemployment and poverty, largely linked to the long-term decline of gold mining activities in the region.

South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, continues to grapple with extreme levels of violent crime. The country records one of the highest murder rates in the world, with an average of around 60 killings reported each day. - December 21, 2025