BEKKERSDAL, SOUTH AFRICA — South African authorities have launched a massive manhunt following a brutal mass shooting early Sunday morning that left at least nine people dead and 10 others wounded in the township of Bekkersdal, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Johannesburg.

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The attack, which occurred at a local tavern just before 1:00 AM (23:00 GMT), marks the second high-casualty mass shooting to strike the nation this month, further heightening concerns over South Africa’s escalating violent crime rate.

Details of the Attack

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), approximately 12 unknown suspects arrived at the scene in two vehicles—a white minibus (kombi) and a silver sedan. The gunmen reportedly entered the establishment and opened fire on patrons before continuing to shoot “randomly and indiscriminately” as they fled the area.

Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, confirmed that the fatalities included patrons inside the tavern as well as individuals in the surrounding streets. Among the deceased was a driver for an online car-hailing service who was parked outside the venue at the time of the ambush.

While initial police reports cited 10 fatalities, the official death toll was later revised to nine. The 10 injured survivors were rushed to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment for various gunshot wounds.

Investigation and Motive

At this stage, the motive for the massacre remains unclear. Specialized units have been deployed to the West Rand region to assist in the investigation.

“The suspects opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene,” a police statement confirmed. “A manhunt has been launched, and we are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.”

The shooting follows a similar tragedy on December 6, when gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville, near Pretoria, killing 12 people. That incident was linked to an illegal alcohol outlet, though officials have not yet established a direct link between the two events.

National Crisis of Violence

South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest murder rates in the world. Recent police data indicates that an average of 63 people are killed daily across the country.

The surge in mass shootings is frequently attributed to:

• Organized Crime: Rivalries between gangs and “protection fee” syndicates.

• Illegal Firearms: A high volume of unlicensed weapons circulating despite strict ownership laws.

• Informal Economy Disputes: Violent competition between unregulated businesses and illegal taverns (shebeens).

Authorities are urging members of the public to provide any information via the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.