South African authorities have launched a manhunt following a deadly shooting at a licensed tavern in a township near Johannesburg that claimed nine lives and wounded at least 10 others.
Police said around a dozen unidentified assailants arrived at the scene in two vehicles in Bekkersdal and opened fire on people inside the tavern. The attackers continued firing indiscriminately while escaping, leaving multiple casualties behind.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00am local time on Sunday, equivalent to 11:00pm GMT on Saturday, according to police officials.
South Africa remains among the countries with the highest homicide rates globally. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data for 2023–24 show the country records about 45 murders per 100,000 people.
Source: BBC