JOHANNESBURG — A manhunt is under way in South Africa after gunmen opened fire at a tavern near Johannesburg, killing nine people and injuring at least 10 others in one of the country’s latest deadly mass shootings.
Police said seven men and two women were killed in the early-morning attack in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, after about 12 unidentified assailants arrived in two vehicles and began shooting indiscriminately at patrons.
The shooting occurred at around 1:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. Police said the attackers continued firing as people fled the scene, adding that the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Deputy provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the perpetrators were armed with pistols and at least one AK-47 assault rifle.
“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” Kekana said, describing the attack as unprovoked.
He added that two victims were shot outside the tavern as they attempted to escape, while another victim was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
According to police statistics, an average of 63 people were killed each day between April and September this year. Violent crime in the country is often linked to disputes, robberies and gang-related activity.
Residents in Bekkersdal said gun violence has become a regular occurrence. One local resident told Newzroom Afrika that nightly gunfire has created a climate of fear in the community.
“These guns, they sound each and every evening,” the resident said. “As soon as it’s dusk, we know gunshots are about to sound. It is terrorising our communities.”
Firearms proliferation remains a major concern in South Africa. While about three million firearms are legally owned, estimates suggest a similar number of unlicensed weapons are in circulation, according to the South African Gunowners’ Association.
Police said investigations are continuing and urged anyone with information to come forward. — Agencies
