By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng police have launched an urgent manhunt after a brazen mass shooting at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal near Westonaria left nine people dead and 10 others injured in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The deadly attack occurred shortly before 01:00 on Sunday, at a tavern in the Tambo Section of Bekkersdal, West Rand.
According to police, a group of heavily armed suspects stormed the venue and opened fire on patrons before fleeing the scene, leaving devastation in their wake.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that nine people were fatally wounded during the shooting, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injured victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, and their conditions are still being monitored as the day is progressing.
Preliminary reports indicate that as many as 12 suspects were involved in the attack.
The gunmen allegedly arrived at the tavern in two vehicles, a white minibus taxi and a silver sedan.
Upon arrival, the suspects reportedly opened fire inside the tavern, targeting patrons who were inside the premises at the time.
Police further stated that the suspects continued firing shots as they fled the scene, causing panic and confusion in the surrounding area.
Residents reported hearing sustained gunfire and screaming, prompting emergency services and law enforcement to rush to the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown at this stage, and investigators are still working to establish whether the shooting was linked to organised crime, a dispute, or another form of violent criminal activity.
Sibeko said the circumstances surrounding the incident are under active investigation.
In response to the attack, the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations Unit, working alongside the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, has launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspects.
Multiple specialised units have been mobilised as part of the investigation.
“The police have mobilised all necessary resources, including Forensic Crime Scene Management and Crime Intelligence. The motive for the shooting will be determined through investigation,” Sibeko said.
The incident has once again raised concerns about violent crime in Gauteng, particularly attacks involving firearms at social venues.
Bekkersdal, which has previously experienced episodes of violent crime and unrest, has been rocked by the scale and brutality of the latest attack.
Police have appealed to members of the public to assist with the investigation, stressing that community cooperation could be crucial in tracking down those responsible.
Sibeko urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or the vehicles involved to contact the police and telling residents that visible policing and patrols will be intensified in the area to prevent further violence and to reassure the community following the deadly shooting.
INSIDE POLITICS