Police in Gauteng have launched a manhunt after eight armed men opened fire at a tavern west of Johannesburg on Sunday night, killing 17 patrons.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the mass shooting took place at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand District at approximately 9.30pm.
After arriving at the tavern, the suspects, armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles, allegedly opened fire on patrons sitting outside the tavern before continuing their shooting spree inside. According to police, the shooters also searched some of the patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles.
Two other vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
A total of 13 males and four females were killed in the shooting, police said. All 17 victims were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
Police Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the motive for the shooting is unknown.
“Gauteng police have mobilised a team of detectives and other specialised units to trace and apprehend the suspects.
“Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.
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“No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing,” Sibeko said.
The SAPS has urged anyone with information that might assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600-10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS App.
In a separate incident, Cape Town, on Sunday morning, 10 people were shot dead at a shisanyama venue in Lwandle, when gunmen opened fire on patrons at about 1.46am.
