Unidentified gunmen fatally shot nine people and injured at least 10 others after opening fire at a tavern in Bekkersdal near Johannesburg early Sunday, police said. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. local time when about 12 suspects arrived in two vehicles and began firing at patrons, according to authorities.
Police said the attackers killed seven men and two women at the scene and continued shooting as people tried to flee. Two victims were shot outside the tavern while escaping, and another victim, a taxi driver, was struck nearby, police added.
Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana said on Newzroom Afrika that the attack appeared to be unprovoked. He said patrons had been socialising when the gunmen arrived armed with pistols and an AK-47. Police said investigators have yet to determine a motive, and no suspects are in custody. Residents told reporters that gunfire had become common at night in the area. Local officials raised concerns about limited police resources and growing fear of retaliation within the community. Local leaders called for national government intervention, including the possibility of military deployment.
According to the BBC, South Africa continues to face high levels of gun violence, despite a recent decline in reported mass shootings this year