At least nine people were killed and 10 others injured on Sunday after gunmen opened fire in a township near Johannesburg, South African police have confirmed.
The attack occurred in Bekkersdal, an impoverished township located about 40 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. Police said the assailants arrived in two vehicles and began shooting indiscriminately near an informal tavern in the area. The incident marks the second mass shooting recorded in South Africa this month.
In a statement, police said some victims were shot randomly in the streets, while others were targeted at the tavern. The attackers reportedly continued firing as they fled the scene. Authorities initially reported 10 fatalities but later revised the death toll to nine.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, told SABC television that one of the victims was a driver working for an online ride-hailing service who was outside the tavern at the time of the attack.
Police said the motive for the shooting remains unclear and that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible. The injured victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Bekkersdal lies close to several major gold mines and is known for high levels of poverty. South Africa continues to battle widespread violent crime, with shootings often linked to gang activity or disputes among informal businesses.
Earlier this month, on December 6, gunmen attacked a hostel in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three-year-old child. At least 14 others were injured in that incident, which police said took place at a location where alcohol was being sold illegally.
