Police officers cordon off the scene of a shooting incident in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Dec. 21, 2025. At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)
JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday.
The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Saturday), according to a statement from the South African Police Service.
"It is reported that about 12 unknown suspects in a white kombi and a silver sedan opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene," the statement said.
A manhunt has been launched, with multiple crime and management teams deployed to conduct investigations, said Gauteng Acting Police Commissioner Fred Kekana.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, the police said. ■
Police officers cordon off the scene of a shooting incident in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Dec. 21, 2025. At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)
People are seen at the scene of a shooting incident in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Dec. 21, 2025. At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)
Police officers cordon off the scene of a shooting incident in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Dec. 21, 2025. At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)
Police officers work at the scene of a shooting incident in Bekkersdal, South Africa, on Dec. 21, 2025. At least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a shooting in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, local police said Sunday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)