Armed attackers in two vehicles opened fire at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, just before 1am, killing at least nine people and wounding 10. Police say about 12 suspects in a white kombi and a silver sedan fired on patrons and people in the street before fleeing. Multiple specialist police teams are on scene and a manhunt is under way; a ride‑hailing driver outside the tavern was among those killed. The attack follows a recent mass shooting near Pretoria and highlights ongoing gang- and business-related violence in South Africa.
At Least Nine Killed in Bekkersdal Tavern Mass Shooting Near Johannesburg
Police officers inspect the scene where kidnapped US pastor, Josh Sullivan, was rescued in a shootout during which three suspects were killed, in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, South Africa, on April 16, 2025 [File: Deon Ferreira/Reuters]
Armed attackers opened fire at a licensed tavern in the Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg just before 1:00am local time (23:00 GMT on Saturday), leaving at least nine people dead and 10 wounded, South African police said.
Police said the suspects travelled in two vehicles — a white kombi (minibus) and a silver sedan — and that about 12 people are believed to have been involved. Witnesses reported that the gunmen fired at patrons inside the tavern and at people in the streets before fleeing the scene.
Police response
Fred Kekana, Acting Police Commissioner for Gauteng, told public broadcaster SABC that multiple specialist units are at the scene and a manhunt is under way. "We are still busy obtaining statements. Our national crime and management team has arrived," he said, adding that the provincial crime scene management team, the local criminal record centre, the serious crime investigating team, crime intelligence and the provincial detective team were all on site.
Kekana confirmed that a driver working for a ride‑hailing service who was outside the tavern was among the dead. Authorities said the wounded were taken to hospital for treatment. A motive for the attack has not yet been established.
Context
The attack comes weeks after gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed tavern in the Saulsville township near Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three‑year‑old child. Violent shootings in South Africa are frequently linked to criminal gangs and competition between informal businesses, amid persistently high levels of violent crime.
Police said initial media reports put the death toll at 10, but that figure was later revised to nine as investigations continued.
Investigations and a police manhunt are ongoing. Authorities have appealed for anyone with footage or information about the vehicles or suspects to come forward.
