Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men after 17 people were shot and killed at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, on the West Rand, on Saturday night.

The shooting happened at about 9.30 pm on September 26 while patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern.

According to police, the suspects arrived at the tavern and opened fire on patrons outside before entering the premises and continuing to shoot at people inside.

The gunmen were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the suspects allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified motor vehicles.

Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.

Emergency Medical Services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene.

The deceased comprise 13 males and four females, while another 15 people sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Muridili said Gauteng police had mobilised detectives and 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.

No arrests had been made at the time of the police update, and investigations were continuing.

The shooting has drawn widespread coverage as police search for the gunmen responsible for one of the province’s deadliest tavern attacks in recent times.

It was reported that police were searching for eight suspects following the attack, while other reports also confirmed that the victims were shot both outside and inside the tavern.

Police are appealing to members of the public for information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.

The suspects remain at large while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and determine the motive.

Police have urged members of the public with information to come forward as the investigation continues.