A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela, a suburb in the west of Johannesburg, South Africa, when gunmen stormed the establishment, killing 17 people and injuring 15 others. The shooting is the second deadly incident to occur at the same tavern in just two months, leaving residents fearing for their lives. The latest incident has also resulted in two cars being destroyed.
Residents living near the tavern have expressed their fear and concern following the latest shooting. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the community is scared because of the recurrence of violent incidents at the tavern. The resident alleged that the shooters from two months ago had threatened to return, and the latest incident has reinforced these fears.
Another resident claimed that gunshots have become a normal occurrence in the area due to ongoing zama-zama problems. However, the resident emphasized that a massacre of this nature has never happened before. The area has been plagued by zama-zama activities, which have led to a rise in gun violence.
Gauteng police commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni addressed journalists, providing insights into the possible motive behind the massacre. According to Mthombeni, the suspected motive appears to be robbery, although zama-zama turf wars cannot be completely ruled out. The police have established that the belongings of patrons were taken during the incident.
Mthombeni announced that a multidisciplinary team has been set up to work on the case, and the police already have leads on the suspects. The victims include South Africans, one Ethiopian, and others from Lesotho. The police have confirmed that a manhunt is underway for eight unidentified armed men who were allegedly involved in the shooting.
According to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the Gauteng police spokesperson, patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire. The suspects entered the tavern, continued shooting, and allegedly searched some patrons, taking their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles.
The police have reported that the suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The incident has left the community in shock, and the police are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice. The authorities have urged residents to provide any information that may assist in the investigation.
Key points
- 17 people killed in the second deadly shooting at Wedela tavern in two months
- The suspected motive behind the massacre appears to be robbery, although zama-zama turf wars cannot be completely ruled out
- A manhunt is underway for eight unidentified armed men involved in the shooting
