Shortly before 1 a.m. on Dec. 21, gunmen in two vehicles opened fire at KwaNoxolo Tavern in Bekkersdal, Johannesburg, killing nine people and injuring 10. Authorities say about 12 suspects fled in a white Kombi and a silver sedan and were armed with pistols and at least one AK-47. SAPS has mobilized forensic and intelligence teams and launched a nationwide manhunt. The public is urged to report tips to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
At Least Nine Killed and 10 Injured in Late-Night Johannesburg Bar Mass Shooting; Police Seek 12 Suspects
EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP via GettySouth African Police Service forensic members at the scene of a shooting in Bekkersdal, South Africa
Shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, gunmen in two vehicles opened fire on patrons at KwaNoxolo Tavern in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal, Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said. The attack left nine people dead and 10 others injured.
According to SAPS, an estimated 12 suspects arrived in a white Kombi and a silver sedan and began firing "randomly" at people inside and outside the licensed tavern. Five victims were found inside the venue, three on the street outside and a further pedestrian who was not at the bar. Emergency services took at least 10 injured people to nearby hospitals.
EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP via GettySAPS officers and Forensic service members gather at scene of shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal
The SAPS said it had "mobilized all the necessary resources, including Forensic Crime Scene Management and Crime Intelligence" as investigators work to establish a motive and to gather forensic evidence at the scene.
Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana: "The incident was unprovoked. The attackers were armed with pistols and at least one AK-47. The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot."
Among the victims was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger in the area. Local outlets including News24 and The South African Times provided initial reporting on the location and sequence of events.
EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP via GettySAPS officers put up crime scene tape at the scene of the Dec. 21 shooting in Bekkersdal
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are urging anyone with information to contact SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or to submit tips via the MySAPS App. PEOPLE has contacted SAPS for further comment as the investigation continues.
Context
The Dec. 21 attack follows another recent incident on Dec. 6, when three gunmen opened fire at a hostel bar in South Africa. That earlier shooting left 12 people dead—10 at the scene and two who later died in hospital—including children aged 3, 12 and 16, according to SAPS and local media reports.
