Nine people were killed and 10 wounded in a mass shooting at a Bekkersdal tavern near Johannesburg, South African police said, as authorities launch a manhunt for 12 suspects who fired randomly from a car. The attack is the second mass shooting in South Africa this month, following a December 6 bar shooting in Pretoria that left 11 dead.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
JOHANNESBURG — At least nine people were killed and 10 wounded early Sunday when 12 gunmen opened fire on patrons at a tavern in Bekkersdal, about 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, South African police reported. The attack occurred just before 1 a.m., when suspects in a white van and silver sedan fired into the crowd before fleeing the scene.
A Violent Night in Bekkersdal
The Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations Unit and Crime Detection Tracing Unit have launched a manhunt for the 12 suspects, who remain at large. The tavern was licensed, and the motive remains unclear.
“Anyone with information can contact SAPS #CrimeStop or send tip-offs via #MySAPSApp,” police posted on X.
A Pattern of Violence
The Bekkersdal shooting is the second mass shooting in South Africa this month. On December 6, a bar attack near Pretoria left 11 dead, including three children (ages 3, 12, and 16), and 14 wounded, CBS News reported.
Mass shootings are common in South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest murder rates, CNN noted. Murders hit a 20-year high in 2024, with someone killed every 20 minutes, according to police statistics.
Broader Context: Crime and Controversy
The Bekkersdal attack comes amid ongoing concerns about violent crime and targeted attacks in South Africa. The Gateway Pundit reported that President Trump banned South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, citing “horrific human rights abuses“ against white Afrikaners.
Trump also ended U.S. payments and subsidies to South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa accused the U.S. of “bullying” and claimed his country was “equal” to America.
What’s Next?
Police have bolstered security in Bekkersdal, with armed officers patrolling the area. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the manhunt continues.
“This is a tragic reminder of South Africa’s gun violence crisis,” a local activist said. “Without real reform, these attacks will keep happening.”
Watch: Police Search for 12 Suspects After Deadly Shooting. Read more: Al Jazeera | CNN.
Original article
Comments