Violent Tavern Shooting Claims Nine Lives in South Africa

Mon Dec 22 2025 07:20:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A brutal attack by gunmen in Bekkersdal left nine people dead and ten more injured during a tavern shooting, raising concerns over rising violence in the country.

A tragic shooting in a South African tavern resulted in the deaths of nine patrons, with another ten injured when around 12 gunmen opened fire indiscriminately. The attack occurred in Bekkersdal near Johannesburg, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the region, exacerbated by high firearm availability. Authorities are investigating the incident as community fears escalate over safety.

A manhunt is underway following a shooting at a tavern in South Africa that left nine people dead and another ten injured.

According to police reports, seven men and two women were killed in Bekkersdal, close to Johannesburg, after approximately twelve unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons late Sunday night. The shooting, which began around 1 AM local time, continued as terrified customers attempted to flee, complicating escape efforts.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with an average of sixty-three people killed each day between April and September, according to police statistics. The reasons behind such high rates of murder often include robberies, gang violence, and heated disputes. However, the motive for this recent attack remains unknown.

Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana reported that the assailants, armed with pistols and at least one AK-47, showed no provocation in their assault on the innocent patrons. Among the victims, two were shot while trying to escape the tavern, and a taxi driver was also killed after dropping a passenger off nearby.

Witnesses described the chaotic aftermath, with locals rushing to assist the injured. One resident recounted how scores of people lay on the floor when she reached the scene—calling for ambulances and setting up makeshift transport for victims.

At the local level, fear is rampant, with residents voicing concerns about rampant gun violence describing it as a daily terror that disrupts their lives. Many are reluctant to speak out against the gunmen due to fear of reprisal. Local officials have called for military intervention, citing overextended police resources and a need for immediate protective presence.

With an estimated three million legally held firearms juxtaposed with an equal number of unlicensed weapons in a nation of 63 million, South Africa continues to grapple with its severe gun culture. Data shows a rising trend in mass shootings, particularly in places like taverns and shebeens, where people gather for leisure.

This incident follows a string of similar violent occurrences, including a recent shooting that left eleven dead near Pretoria, and highlights the ongoing difficulties in addressing South Africa’s crime issues.