A manhunt is underway in South Africa following a deadly mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, that left nine people dead and at least 10 others injured.
Police say the attack occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday when about 12 unidentified gunmen arrived at the tavern in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons. Seven men and two women were killed in the attack.
Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana said the gunmen were armed with pistols and at least one AK-47 rifle, and described the attack as “unprovoked.”
“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” said Kekana,
He added that the attackers continued firing randomly as people fled the scene.
Two victims were shot outside the tavern while trying to escape, while another victim was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby.
Residents described scenes of horror following the shooting. Nokuthula Bhukwana, who arrived shortly after the incident, told Reuters that bodies were scattered across the floor and that some injured victims had to be transported to a clinic using wheelbarrows due to the severity of the situation.
Another resident said gun violence has become a regular occurrence in Bekkersdal, describing nightly gunfire as a source of constant fear.
“It is terrorising our communities,” the resident said.
Local deputy mayor Nontombi Molatlhegi said residents are afraid to speak out and identify those responsible, citing intimidation and fear. She also criticised inadequate policing resources and called on the national government to deploy the military to help restore safety.
South Africa continues to struggle with high levels of gun violence. Police statistics show that an average of 63 people were murdered every day between April and September this year. While there has been a slight decline in mass shootings in 2025, researchers say such incidents have increased significantly since 2020.
The motive behind the Bekkersdal attack remains unclear, and police say investigations are ongoing.