Bekkersdal
1Min
South Africa
Dec 21, 2025
Police have launched a manhunt after a multiple shooting at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal in the early hours of Sunday left nine people dead and 10 others injured. The death toll was revised from 10 to nine after one of the victims initially declared dead was later found to be alive and taken to hospital.
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt following a deadly mass shooting that left nine people dead and 10 others injured in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, in the early hours of Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations, together with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit, are searching for the suspects linked to the attack, which occurred just before 01:00 in the Tambo section. Police say about 12 unknown suspects arrived at a licensed tavern in a white kombi and a silver sedan. The suspects allegedly opened fire on patrons inside the tavern and continued shooting randomly as they fled the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, police initially reported that 10 people had been killed. The figure was later revised to nine after one of the victims, who had been declared dead at the scene, was found to be alive and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
The injured victims were taken to various medical facilities, where some remain in serious condition. Forensic Crime Scene Management teams have been deployed to process the scene, while Crime Intelligence officers are working to establish the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.
SAPS Gauteng Provincisl spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that all necessary resources have been mobilised. “We are following several leads and urge anyone who may have information that can assist the investigation to come forward. The motive for this shooting will be determined once investigations are concluded,” Muridili said.
The Bekkersdal shooting is the latest in a series of mass shooting incidents reported in recent months, many of which have targeted taverns and social venues. These attacks have raised renewed concerns about gun violence and public safety, particularly during the festive season.
Police are appealing to members of the public with information to contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tip-offs via the MySAPS App. The investigation is ongoing.
