BREAKING: In a shocking incident early Sunday, armed gunmen stormed the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, South Africa, and opened fire, resulting in at least nine fatalities and ten injuries. The attack occurred around 1 a.m. local time, igniting panic in the community located approximately 30 miles west of Johannesburg.
According to reports, nearly a dozen assailants arrived in a white van and a silver sedan before indiscriminately firing at patrons inside the tavern. Police Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the chaotic scene, noting that the attackers used at least nine pistols and an AK-47-style assault rifle. Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the gunmen searched the bodies of the deceased and injured, stealing valuables like cellphones.
Emergency services rushed the injured to a local hospital, but details on their conditions remain unclear. Athlenda Mathe, police spokeswoman, stated that the investigation is ongoing, and as of now, the suspects have not been identified.
This incident follows a troubling trend of mass shootings in South African taverns, often occurring late at night. In 2022, a similar attack in Johannesburg resulted in 15 deaths, while another shooting near Pietermaritzburg left four people dead.
Taverns, known locally as shebeens, serve as vital social hubs in many communities, making this violence particularly impactful. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as police continue their investigation into the brutal attack.
