9 Killed in Mass Shooting at Tavern in South Africa
A mass shooting has resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left 10 others wounded at a tavern near Johannesburg, as reported by the police on Sunday morning. Approximately a dozen attackers arrived at the tavern around 1 a.m. on Sunday in a white van and a silver sedan, subsequently opening fire indiscriminately on patrons inside, stated Captain Tintswalo Sibeko in a report. Those who were hurt were taken to hospitals, according to officials. The incident occurred at the KwaNoxolo tavern located in Bekkersdal, a township roughly 30 miles west of Johannesburg, as noted by the police. Officials indicated that the tavern is a licensed venue. Attempts to contact the tavern for a statement were unsuccessful.
Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the South African police, indicated in a statement on Sunday morning that no suspects had been identified by the authorities. The police confirmed that they initiated a manhunt to apprehend the shooters, although their motives remain unclear. This incident contributes to the alarming trend of mass shootings in South Africa, a country that, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, boasts one of the highest murder rates globally. Earlier this month, another shooting occurred when three gunmen randomly targeted guests at an unlicensed tavern near Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, resulting in 12 deaths and 13 injuries. John Eligon contributed reporting.
Published: 2025-12-21 11:44:00
source: www.nytimes.com
