Nine Killed in Gun Attack at South African Pub Near Johannesburg

At least nine individuals lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries in a shooting incident at a tavern in Bekkersdal, a township situated approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. The tragic event occurred just before 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Police reports indicate that around a dozen gunmen arrived at the scene in two vehicles—a white minibus and a silver sedan. They opened fire on patrons both inside and outside the KwaNoxolo tavern. The South African Police Service stated that the assailants did not cease their shooting even as they fled the area, with some victims struck by stray bullets in nearby streets.

Provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed that among the deceased was a driver for an online ride-hailing service, who was reportedly outside the tavern when he was shot. Initially, authorities reported ten fatalities; however, this figure was later revised to nine.

In the wake of the shooting, a manhunt has been initiated for the attackers, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The motive behind this violent act remains unclear, and officials have not disclosed the identities of the victims.

This incident marks the second mass shooting in South Africa within a month. Earlier, on December 7, a separate attack at a hostel in Saulsville township near Pretoria resulted in the deaths of at least eleven individuals, including a three-year-old child, with fourteen others injured. Such violent occurrences are not uncommon in South Africa, where gang activity and disputes at informal businesses contribute to high levels of violent crime.

Recent police data reveals that an average of 63 murders occur each day in South Africa, highlighting the pervasive issue of violence in a country with one of the highest homicide rates globally. Despite stringent gun ownership laws, illegal firearms remain widespread, further complicating efforts to reduce crime.

In response to the alarming trend of mass shootings, the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest political party in South Africa, has called for the establishment of a special task force to investigate these incidents and enhance public safety. The socio-economic challenges faced by communities like Bekkersdal, often characterised by poverty and unemployment, are believed to exacerbate issues related to crime and violence.

As authorities continue to investigate the recent shooting, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the ongoing threat of violence in their neighbourhoods. Police remain vigilant and are working diligently to bring those responsible to justice, as they seek to restore a sense of security within the affected communities.