Police have launched a manhunt following a multiple shooting that left nine people dead and 10 others injured at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal during the early hours of Sunday.
The shooting happened just before 01:00 in the Tambo section when about 12 unknown suspects, travelling in a white kombi and a silver sedan, opened fire on tavern patrons before fleeing the scene while continuing to shoot randomly. Police initially reported that 10 people had been killed, but later revised the death toll to nine after one of the victims who had been declared dead was found to be alive and rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
The injured were taken to various medical facilities, where some are reported to be in serious condition. Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations, together with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, have been deployed to trace the suspects, while Forensic Crime Scene Management teams processed the scene.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said police have mobilised all necessary resources to investigate the incident. She added that the motive for the shooting is still unknown and will be determined through ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tip-offs via the MySAPS App.
