At least 17 people have been killed and 15 others wounded after gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, South African p...
At least 17 people have been killed and 15 others wounded after gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, South African police have said.
The shooting happened at about 9.30pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Extension 3, Wedela, in Gauteng’s West Rand district.
South African Police Service (SAPS) said eight unidentified suspects were being sought following the attack.
Police said the suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.
According to police, patrons were gathered both inside and outside the tavern when the attackers arrived. The suspects allegedly opened fire on people outside before entering the tavern and continuing to shoot.
Emergency medical services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene.
The victims comprised 13 men and four women, while 15 other people who sustained gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Police said some patrons were allegedly searched during the attack and had their mobile phones taken.
The suspects reportedly fled in two unidentified vehicles. Two other vehicles were also set alight during the incident, according to police.
No arrests had been announced when police issued their statement on Sunday, and the motive for the shooting remained unknown.
Gauteng police have deployed detectives and specialised units to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Police have opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases and two cases of malicious damage to property in connection with the incident.
The Wedela shooting comes just days after another mass shooting in South Africa. On September 22, 11 people were killed and three wounded when gunmen opened fire at a house party in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban.
A separate shooting also occurred early Sunday at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town, where police said at least 10 people were killed and 11 wounded.
The incidents have renewed attention on gun violence in South Africa, where police continue to investigate the circumstances behind a number of mass shootings.
For the Wedela attack, however, police have not yet established a motive and have not announced any arrests.
The investigation remains ongoing.
