A night out turned into a nightmare in the early hours of Sunday morning as gunmen stormed a tavern in the Bekkersdal township, opening fire and killing nine people in a “purely criminal” rampage.
The attack, which occurred around 1:00 am in the gold-mining district southwest of Johannesburg, is the second mass shooting to hit a South African bar in just a few weeks. It follows a similar tragedy near Pretoria on December 6 that claimed 12 lives.
“Unprovoked” Chaos
According to police, the attackers entered the bar armed with pistols and at least one AK-47. Without warning or provocation, they began shooting randomly at patrons.
The horror spilled out into the streets as people tried to run for their lives. Three victims were killed inside the tavern, while others were gunned down as they fled. Even an innocent bystander—a ride-hailing driver simply passing by the scene—was caught in the crossfire and killed.
Robbery After the Raid
Major General Fred Kekana described a chilling scene where the violence was followed by theft. “It’s reported that after they shot the people, they searched them. They took their valuables, including cell phones,” he told reporters.
The police have revised the death toll to nine, while ten others remain in the hospital with various injuries.
A Manhunt is Underway
As the community reels from the violence, authorities have launched a massive manhunt for the suspects. This latest incident has heightened fears across the region, as the motive remains unclear and the shooters remain at large.
Police are appealing to the public for any leads that could help identify the gunmen involved in this latest wave of tavern violence.
