Source News18
JOHANNESBURG — South African police have launched a massive manhunt after unknown gunmen opened fire in the Bekkersdal township southwest of Johannesburg, killing 10 people and wounding at least 10 others.
The attack, which occurred shortly before 1:00 AM on Sunday, December 21, 2025, is the second mass shooting to rock the country this month.
Details of the Attack
According to police statements, approximately 12 suspects arrived at a licensed tavern in a white kombi (minibus) and a silver sedan. Witnesses reported that the attackers began firing indiscriminately at patrons both inside and outside the establishment.
“The suspects opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene,” said Brigadier Brenda Muridili, police spokesperson for the Gauteng province. Some victims were reportedly shot while walking in the surrounding streets as the gunmen made their escape.
Among those confirmed dead was an e-hailing taxi driver who was parked outside the tavern at the time of the shooting. The wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals; their current conditions have not been released.
Motive Unknown
Authorities have deployed specialized units to the scene, including provincial crime scene management and serious crime investigation teams. However, the motive for the massacre remains unclear.
“Ten people are dead. We don’t have a breakdown of who they are yet,” Brigadier Muridili told reporters. “Our national and provincial teams are busy obtaining statements and processing the scene.”
A Pattern of Violence
The shooting in Bekkersdal follows a similar tragedy on December 6, when gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville, near Pretoria, killing 12 people—including a three-year-old child.
South Africa continues to face a severe crisis of gun violence. National crime statistics indicate an average of over 70 murders per day, driven by factors including:
Illegal Firearms: High volumes of unlicensed weapons in circulation.
Organized Crime: Turf wars involving gangs or disputes over informal business sectors.
Alcohol Outlets: Frequent targeting of both licensed taverns and illegal “shebeens.”
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in the Bekkersdal attack.
