In the early hours of Sunday, gunmen opened fire at a pub in the township of Bekkersdal, killing nine people and wounding at least ten others. The attack, which took place just before 1 a.m., marks the second mass shooting in South Africa in three weeks.
The Incident
The shooting occurred in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal, a township located 46 kilometres (28 miles) west of Johannesburg. A white minibus and a silver sedan carried at least 12 unknown suspects who fired at patrons of the KwaNoxolo tavern. Police reported that the gunmen continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene.
Casualties and Witnesses
Police said “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen.” The nine people who died were not identified by authorities. Ten others were hospitalized with injuries. Among the casualties was an e-hailing driver who had just dropped off a client; he was shot and killed, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
Weapons Used
Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, the acting provincial commissioner of Gauteng, told the Associated Press at the scene that the gunmen, some of whom wore balaclavas, possessed one AK-47 rifle and several 9-millimetre pistols. The weapons were described as being used in the initial assault and in the random shooting that followed.
Investigation
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. A manhunt has been launched by Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations in cooperation with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit. Police have not released additional information about the suspects or the possible connection to other incidents.
Context of Recent Violence
South Africa has experienced several mass shootings at bars, sometimes called shebeens or taverns. Earlier this month, a mass shooting at an unlicensed bar near the capital left at least 12 people dead and 13 injured. In 2022, a shooting in the Johannesburg township of Soweto killed 16 people, and on the same day four people were killed in a bar shooting in another province.
Political Response
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party, has called for a special task force to investigate the two recent shootings in Gauteng. The party’s demand reflects growing concern over the rising rate of violent crime.
Bekkersdal’s Challenges
The Bekkersdal region is surrounded by abandoned mine shafts and is known for illicit mining operations. These activities have contributed to serious social problems, including gang violence and the proliferation of illegal firearms. The township’s environment has been cited as a factor in the country’s high homicide rate.
National Crime Statistics
South Africa recorded almost 26,000 homicides in 2024, averaging more than 70 per day. Firearms are the leading cause of death in homicides, and many murders are carried out with illegal firearms despite the nation’s stringent gun-control laws.
Summary
The Bekkersdal pub shooting, with nine fatalities and ten injuries, underscores the persistent threat of gun violence in South Africa’s townships. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects, while political leaders demand a comprehensive review of recent mass-shooting incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Nine people were killed and ten injured in a pub shooting in Bekkersdal.
- The attack involved an AK-47 and multiple 9-mm pistols.
- A manhunt is underway, and the motive remains unknown.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the need for continued law-enforcement efforts across South Africa.
