In a brutal late-night assault, gunmen have killed nine people and wounded ten others in a township outside Johannesburg, South African police confirmed on Sunday. This marks the country's second major mass shooting incident within a matter of weeks.
Chaos in Bekkersdal Streets
Police initially reported a death toll of ten, but later revised the figure down to nine. The attack unfolded in Bekkersdal, an impoverished area located roughly 40 kilometres (25 miles) south-west of Johannesburg. According to a police statement, the motive for the violence remains unclear.
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," authorities stated. The assailants, travelling in two vehicles, opened fire on patrons at a local tavern before continuing to shoot indiscriminately as they fled the scene.
Victims and Aftermath
Among the dead was a driver for an online car-hailing service who had been waiting outside the bar, Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana told SABC television. The wounded were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The shooting occurred near an informal bar in Bekkersdal, a community situated close to some of South Africa's historic goldmines. A major manhunt for the attackers is now underway.
A Pattern of Violent Crime
This latest tragedy underscores South Africa's severe struggle with entrenched violent crime, often driven by organised criminal networks. Shootings are commonplace, frequently fuelled by gang rivalries and competition between informal businesses, contributing to one of the highest murder rates globally.
The incident follows another deadly mass shooting earlier in the month. On 6 December, gunmen stormed a hostel near the capital, Pretoria, killing twelve people, including a three-year-old child. Police linked that attack to a site illegally selling alcohol.
