At least nine people have been killed and 10 others injured in a mass shooting at a tavern in the Bekkersdal township, located near Johannesburg, South Africa, police confirmed on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Authorities say some victims were also “randomly shot in the streets” as gunmen fled the scene.

The Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations Unit, working with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, has launched a manhunt for the attackers. The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. local time (23:00 GMT on Saturday).

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Attack Details

According to a police statement, approximately 12 armed suspects traveling in a white minibus (kombis) and a silver sedan opened fire on tavern patrons before continuing to shoot randomly on nearby streets. Three people were killed inside the tavern, while the others died while fleeing. Authorities reported that the attackers also robbed victims of personal belongings, including mobile phones.

The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fred Kekana, acting Gauteng police commissioner, said multiple law enforcement teams, including provincial crime scene management and criminal intelligence units, are on the scene collecting evidence and taking statements.

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Rising Violence at Taverns

South Africa has seen several mass shootings in bars and taverns in recent years, with both licensed and unlicensed establishments targeted. Earlier this month, a deadly attack at an unlicensed bar near Pretoria left 12 people dead, including a three-year-old child.

Kekana confirmed that a ride-hailing driver outside the Bekkersdal tavern was among the victims, though a clear motive for the attack has yet to emerge.

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Socioeconomic Context

Political and socioeconomic analyst Imraan Buccus explained that violence often spikes during the year-end holiday period, partially due to increased alcohol consumption. He also cited long-standing issues in policing working-class areas, including underfunding and corruption.

South Africa recorded nearly 26,000 homicides in 2024, averaging over 70 deaths per day, one of the world’s highest rates. Firearms remain the leading cause of death in these cases, and many killings involve illegal guns despite the country’s relatively strict gun control laws.

Buccus highlighted that South Africa has seen an overall increase in violent crime since 2012, following the Marikana massacre in which police killed 34 striking miners. He said:

“Violence is not incidental to the post-apartheid state in South Africa… It permeates the daily lives of so many people.”

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Authorities Respond

The police continue to search for the attackers and have urged the public to provide any information that could assist investigations. Gauteng authorities are coordinating with national crime units to track the suspects, recover weapons, and ensure community safety.

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Related Coverage:

• South Africa shooting leaves 12 dead, including a young child
• Analysis: Firearms and crime in South Africa’s urban centres
• How policing challenges exacerbate violence in townships