In a tragic incident early Sunday, nine individuals lost their lives and at least ten others sustained injuries when gunmen unleashed a deadly attack inside a pub in South Africa. This marks the country’s second mass shooting within a month, prompting authorities to launch an extensive search for the suspects.
The violence erupted shortly before 1 a.m. at the KwaNoxolo tavern, located in Bekkersdal, a township roughly 28 miles from Johannesburg. According to police reports, around 12 unidentified assailants arrived in a white mini-bus and a silver sedan, opening fire on patrons and continuing the assault as they fled the scene.
“Victims were indiscriminately shot by unidentified attackers,” stated the police.
In the aftermath of this horrific event, South African police gathered at the crime scene where nine people were killed and at least ten were injured in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Sunday, December 21, 2025. (Photo by Alfonso Nqunjana/AP)
Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, acting provincial commissioner for Gauteng, informed The Associated Press that the attackers, some of whom wore balaclavas, were equipped with an AK-47 rifle and several 9mm handguns.
Curious onlookers gathered at the site of the mass shooting, where nine were killed and ten injured in a Bekkersdal pub, South Africa, on Sunday, December 21, 2025. (Photo by Alfonso Nqunjana/AP)
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, led by Gauteng’s Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit in coordination with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit.
South African police investigate a mass shooting in Bekkersdal, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/ Alfonso Nqunjana)
The attack follows a string of mass shootings at bars — often called shebeens or taverns in South Africa. Earlier this month, multiple gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed bar near the capital, killing at least 12 people and injuring 13 others.
