South Africa: At least 10 killed in Tavern shooting near Johannesburg

Armed men have opened fire at a tavern in a township near the city of Johannesburg in South Africa, killing at least ten people and wounding 20, according to the police. In a statement on Sunday, the police said a manhunt is under way for those involved in the shooting, which took place in the Bekkersdal township just before 1am local time (23:00 GMT on Saturday). “It is reported that about 12 unknown suspects in a white kombi and a silver sedan opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene,” the police said in a statement. “The tavern is licensed,” it added. According to reports, gunmen opened fire at the popular social spot before some victims were allegedly chased and randomly targeted in nearby streets, turning the area into a scene of terror and devastation.

The South African public broadcaster SABC reported that the unknown attackers opened fire on patrons of the tavern and people in the streets outside. “We are still busy obtaining statements. Our national crime and management team has arrived,” SABC reported, quoting Fred Kekana, acting police commissioner of Gauteng. Kekana said that a driver with a ride-hailing service who was outside the bar is among those killed. A motive for the attack was not immediately clear.