Nine killed, 10 wounded in South Africa shooting, authorities launch manhunt

Nine people were killed and 10 others injured in an early morning shooting at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal township , south-west of Johannesburg, authorities said on Sunday.

The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. local time when about 12 unknown suspects , travelling in a white minibus and a silver sedan , opened fire on patrons and continued shooting randomly as they fled the scene. The motive for the attack remains under investigation .

The injured have been taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities have launched a full-scale manhunt , deploying serious crime and detective units to collect evidence, process the scene, and trace the suspects. Police have also appealed to the public to provide tips via the SAPS Crime Stop hotline or the MySAPS App .

Bekkersdal, part of the Rand West City local municipality , faces high unemployment and poverty , largely due to the decline of gold mining in the area. Many residents live in informal settlements with limited access to services, creating socio-economic stress that is often linked to high crime rates. South Africa, Africa’s largest economy, records one of the world’s highest murder rates, averaging around 60 homicides daily .

The authorities continue to investigate the case while taking steps to ensure community safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.