At least 9 people were killed and 10 others injured after unknown gunmen opened fire in a township outside Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday. The shooting took place in Bekkersdal, around 25 miles southwest of the city, marking the second mass shooting incident reported in the country this month.
According to police officials, the motive behind the attack is still unclear. Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), police said the firing appeared to be random. “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” a police statement said.
Confirming the death toll, Gauteng province police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili told AFP, “Ten people are dead. We don’t have a breakdown of who they are.” The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, police added.
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What happened near Johannesburg?
The shooting reportedly occurred near a tavern or informal bar in Bekkersdal, an economically deprived area located close to several major gold mines. The locality is known for its dense population and limited access to resources, which often complicates policing and emergency response.
This incident comes just days after another deadly shooting in South Africa. On December 6, gunmen attacked a hostel near the capital, Pretoria, killing at least 12 people, including a three-year-old child. Police said that the incident took place at a location that was illegally selling alcohol.
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime. The country, home to around 63 million people, has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Repeated mass shooting incidents have renewed concerns over public safety, illegal firearms, and the enforcement of law and order.
Police have launched an investigation into the Bekkersdal attack and are searching for the perpetrators. No arrests have been made so far, and authorities say more details will be shared as the probe progresses.
