URGENT UPDATE: A horrific shooting at the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, South Africa, early Sunday has left at least nine people dead and ten others injured. The attack occurred around 1 a.m. local time, when nearly a dozen armed gunmen stormed the establishment, opening fire indiscriminately on patrons, according to reports from local authorities.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the assailants arrived in a white van and a silver sedan before unleashing a barrage of gunfire. Police Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the use of multiple firearms, including at least nine pistols and an AK-47-style assault rifle. Authorities have not yet identified the suspects, but spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe stated that investigations are ongoing.
Victims were rushed to a local hospital as emergency services responded to the chaos. Witnesses reported that the attackers searched through the bodies of the deceased and injured, stealing valuables, including cellphones. The motive behind this brutal act remains unclear.
This shocking incident echoes a disturbing trend of mass shootings at taverns in South Africa, where violence often erupts late at night. Just last year, a similar attack in Johannesburg resulted in 15 fatalities, and another shooting near Pietermaritzburg left four people dead. Taverns, locally known as shebeens, serve as informal social hubs within communities, making such violence even more impactful.
The South African public is left reeling from this latest incident, raising urgent questions about safety in social spaces. Authorities are working diligently to gather more information and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and families of victims seek answers and justice. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as police efforts continue to determine the motivations and identities of those involved in this heinous crime.
