JOHANNESBURG, December 21 (ANI): At least nine people were killed and 10 others injured in a deadly shooting at a tavern in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, South African police said on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera.
The attack occurred around 1 a.m. local time when a group of armed assailants arrived at the tavern in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons inside. Police officials said approximately 12 suspects were involved in the shooting and fled the scene immediately afterward.
In an official statement, police said several victims were also shot outside the tavern as the attackers escaped. “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” police said, adding that the assailants fired indiscriminately.
Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where several victims remain in serious condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those killed or wounded.
A large-scale manhunt has been launched to track down the suspects. Police teams have been deployed across the area, and forensic experts are examining the crime scene for evidence.
Bekkersdal is located about 40 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg and lies close to major gold-mining areas. The region has witnessed repeated incidents of violent crime, raising ongoing concerns about public safety.
Police said investigations are continuing and urged anyone with information related to the attack to come forward. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting. South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gun violence, with mass shootings at public venues such as taverns posing a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies nationwide.
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