A devastating shooting at a tavern in Wedela, west of Johannesburg, has left 17 people dead and 15 others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday night, with gunmen storming the establishment and opening fire on patrons. The tavern had previously been the site of a deadly shooting just two months ago, leaving residents fearing for their lives. The latest shooting has also resulted in two cars being destroyed.
Residents living near the tavern expressed their fear and concern following the latest shooting. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the community was scared due to the repeated incidents of violence at the tavern. The resident alleged that the shooters from two months ago had threatened to return, and the latest massacre has reinforced these fears. The community is now worried that the perpetrators will strike again.
Another resident noted that gunshots had become a normal occurrence in the area due to ongoing zama-zama problems. However, the scale of the latest shooting was unprecedented, and the community is now calling for increased safety measures. The police have confirmed that a multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the case and track down the suspects.
Gauteng police commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni addressed journalists, stating that the suspected motive behind the massacre was robbery. However, he also noted that zama-zama turf wars could not be completely ruled out. Mthombeni confirmed that the belongings of patrons had been taken during the incident and that two vehicles had been burnt to ashes.
According to Mthombeni, the majority of the dead and injured were South Africans, with one Ethiopian and others from Lesotho. The police have already identified leads on the suspects and are working to apprehend them. A manhunt has been launched for eight unidentified armed men who are believed to have carried out the attack.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko provided further details on the incident, stating that patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived. The suspects, armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles.
The police are working to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, and the community can feel safe once again. The incident has highlighted the need for increased safety measures in the area and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key points
- The tavern had previously been the site of a deadly shooting just two months ago.
- The police have identified leads on the suspects and are working to apprehend them.
- The incident has left 17 people dead and 15 others injured, with two cars destroyed.
