Tragic Shooting in South Africa Claims Nine Lives

In a devastating incident in South Africa, nine people lost their lives and at least ten were injured when gunmen opened fire at the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal. This shooting, occurring shortly before 1 am, is the second mass shooting in the country within three weeks. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved, as the nation grapples with a troubling trend of gun violence and high homicide rates. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly in taverns, which have been the site of similar tragedies in recent years.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 16:24 IST

Mass Shooting at KwaNoxolo Tavern

Johannesburg, Dec 21: A tragic incident unfolded in South Africa early Sunday morning when gunmen opened fire at a local pub, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and leaving at least ten others injured, according to officials.

The violent episode took place just before 1 am at the KwaNoxolo tavern located in the Tambo area of Bekkersdal township, approximately 46 kilometers west of Johannesburg. This incident marks the second mass shooting in the nation within a span of three weeks.

Authorities reported that around 12 unidentified assailants arrived at the tavern in a white minibus and a silver sedan, unleashing gunfire on the patrons. The attackers continued to shoot indiscriminately while fleeing, with some victims being targeted in the adjacent streets.

“Several victims were shot randomly in the streets by unknown assailants,” police stated. The attack resulted in nine fatalities, while ten others were hospitalized due to gunshot wounds.

Maj Gen Fred Kekana, the Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, informed SABC television that one of the deceased was a driver for an online car-hailing service who was outside the pub during the shooting.

A manhunt has been initiated by the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit, in collaboration with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, to locate the suspects involved.

South Africa has experienced a series of mass shootings at taverns, commonly known as shebeens, in recent years. Earlier this month, a shooting at an unlicensed bar near the capital resulted in at least 12 deaths and 13 injuries. In 2022, a mass shooting in Soweto, Johannesburg, claimed 16 lives, while another bar shooting in a different province on the same day resulted in four fatalities.

With nearly 26,000 homicides reported in 2024—averaging over 70 per day—South Africa maintains one of the highest homicide rates globally. Firearms are the primary cause of these homicide deaths. Despite having relatively stringent gun control laws, authorities indicate that a significant number of murders are committed with illegal firearms.