The death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern in Wedela, South Africa, has risen to 18, police confirmed on Monday. The shooting occurred on Friday evening in the Gauteng's West Rand District. According to police, only four of the dead have been identified so far - two South Africans and two Lesotho nationals. The police have established a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the shooting.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the team comprises seasoned murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members. The team is led by a senior brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province. The charges have been updated to 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property, and armed robbery.
The police have reported that all the injured victims who remain in hospital have been identified. According to information provided to the police, five were shot in the upper body and are critically wounded, while the others are in a stable condition. The police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men following the deadly shooting.
The gunmen arrived at the tavern and opened fire on those outside, patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern. The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside. The men were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles.
Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident, police said. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. The police have not made any arrests. Operation Prosper, which includes the South African National Defence Force and specialised SAPS units, has been brought in to update its operational matrix and intensify operations in Wedela and surrounding areas.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has established the dedicated team to investigate the shooting. The police are working to identify the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. The community is urged to cooperate with the police and provide any information that may assist in the investigation.
The incident has left the community in shock, and the police are working to restore calm in the area. The police are appealing for anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the police will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key points
- The death toll from the mass shooting has risen to 18.
- The police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men.
- The motive for the shooting remains unknown.
