South African police have launched a manhunt after a mass shooting at a tavern near Johannesburg left 17 people dead and 15 others wounded, the latest in a series of deadly gun attacks that have underscored the country’s persistent problem with violent crime.
Police said eight unidentified gunmen opened fire on patrons at a tavern in Wedela, in the West Rand district west of Johannesburg, on Saturday evening.
“It is alleged that patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside. The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,” police said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
At least 15 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Police said investigations into the Wedela attack were continuing and appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
The massacre comes less than a week after another mass shooting in Durban in which 11 people were killed on 22 September.
Police said at the time that three gunmen entered a house where a party was being held and opened fire on those gathered inside.
South Africa has long grappled with high levels of violent crime, including a recurring pattern of mass shootings linked to organised crime, gang violence, personal disputes and vigilante attacks.
Taverns, informal settlements and private gatherings have frequently been targeted, often leaving large numbers of casualties.
The country records one of the highest murder rates in the world and high levels of illegal firearm possession have contributed to repeated incidents in which multiple victims are killed in a single attack.
Despite periodic police crackdowns and firearm seizures, mass shootings continue to pose a major challenge for law enforcement.
JN/APA