Nine people have been killed and at least ten others wounded in a horrific mass shooting at a pub near Johannesburg, South Africa. The attack marks the country's second such incident in just three weeks.
Attackers Open Fire from Vehicles
The violence erupted in the early hours of the morning at the Kwanoxolo bar in Bekkersdal, a township located roughly 28 miles from Johannesburg. According to authorities, a group of around a dozen assailants arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan just before 1am local time on December 21, 2025.
They then opened fire on patrons both inside and outside the establishment. Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana confirmed that one of the deceased was a driver for a car-hailing app who was parked outside the pub. Others were shot as they attempted to flee the scene.
A police spokesperson stated that some victims were "randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," indicating the chaotic and brutal nature of the assault.
Nation Reels from Repeated Violence
This tragedy follows another devastating mass shooting on December 6 in the administrative capital, Pretoria. In that attack, at least 25 people were killed, including three children aged three, 12, and 16, at an unlicensed bar.
The frequency of such incidents at bars and taverns has become a grim pattern in South Africa. Notably, a 2022 shooting in Soweto left 16 people dead. These venues, often crowded and social, have been targeted in several violent episodes over the past four years.
Manhunt Launched for Suspects
A major investigation is now underway. The search for the suspects is being led by the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit. No motive has been officially confirmed at this early stage, and the identities of the gunmen remain unknown.
The community of Bekkersdal and the wider Gauteng province are left mourning as authorities work to apprehend those responsible and prevent further bloodshed.
