South African police have launched a manhunt after a shooting at a tavern in Wedela, near Johannesburg, left 17 people dead and 15 wounded. Authorities say eight unidentified men, armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles, opened fire outside before moving inside and continuing to shoot. Officers reported that some victims were searched and had cellphones stolen before the attackers fled in two unidentified vehicles; no arrests have been made. Police have appealed for public assistance as the investigation continues.
17 Dead, 15 Wounded in Wedela Tavern Shooting; South African Police Launch Manhunt
A police officer stands at the scene of a mass shooting at a house party in KwaMakhutha township south of the city of Durban, South Africa, onSeptember 23, 2026. - AP
South African police launched a manhunt Sunday after a mass shooting outside a tavern in Wedela, a township near Johannesburg, left 17 people dead and 15 others wounded.
Authorities said eight unidentified men opened fire on patrons who were drinking outside the establishment in the West Rand District on Saturday evening local time. Police say the assailants then moved inside the tavern and continued shooting at people there.
Officers reported the suspects were armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles. Fifteen people with gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Police said on X that patrons were drinking inside and outside when the suspects arrived, opened fire on those outside, then entered the tavern and continued shooting. Officers added that some victims were searched and had their cellphones taken before the attackers fled.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles. No arrests had been made as of Sunday, and police said they have launched an active manhunt and appealed to the public for information to help identify the suspects and the vehicles involved.
Mass shootings and gang-related violence are not uncommon in parts of South Africa. In recent weeks, gunmen killed 11 people at a house south of Durban, and in June an attack in an informal settlement outside Johannesburg killed 12 people.
Police figures for January to March show an average of about 58 people were murdered each day during that period, underscoring a broader public safety challenge in the country.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Nimi Princewill contributed reporting.
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