Nine killed, 10 Injured in South Africa Shooting, Police Hunt for Suspects

Reuters

Police officers inspect the scene where kidnapped US pastor, Josh Sullivan, was rescued in a shootout during which three suspects were killed, in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, South Africa, on 16 April 2025

South African police have launched a manhunt after a mass shooting at a licensed tavern in a township near Johannesburg left nine people dead and at least 10 others injured.

According to police, approximately 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles in the Bekkersdal area and opened fire on patrons before continuing to shoot indiscriminately as they fled the scene.

The attack occurred at around 1:00 a.m. local time on Sunday (23:00 GMT on Saturday). Emergency services transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, while investigators cordoned off the area.

Authorities confirmed that the tavern was operating legally at the time of the incident. No arrests have yet been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

South Africa continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime. According to figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for 2023–24, the country records one of the world’s highest murder rates, with approximately 45 homicides per 100,000 people.

Source: Reuters



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