A gruesome scene unfolded in Wedela Extension 3, near Carletonville on the West Rand, on Saturday night, leaving 17 people dead and 15 others wounded in a suspected robbery at a tavern. The bloodstained ground, scattered food, and overturned braai stand tell the story of the horror that unfolded shortly after 9pm. A hawker, who was busy plying his trade, was among those caught in the crossfire. The massacre has left families grieving and residents questioning whether enough is being done to prevent another attack.
According to eyewitnesses, eight armed men, allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, arrived at the tavern and opened fire on patrons outside before entering the premises and continuing to fire at those inside. The attackers reportedly searched some patrons for their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles. The vehicles were later torched, and two have been reduced to burnt shells near the scene. The police are investigating robbery as a possible motive, while acknowledging that zama zama turf wars could not be ruled out.
The Mazwi family is among those mourning the loss of loved ones, with siblings Sinesipho and Sikho killed in the shooting. A relative said he had spoken to the siblings hours before the shooting and was stunned when he heard that they had been shot. The community is questioning the visible presence of authorities only after the bloodshed, with some residents accusing the government of failing to protect them. "They have failed us. They know what is going on here in Wedela. We are not safe because of zama zama turf wars," one resident said.
Residents have expressed fear that the gunmen could return, with some claiming that the tavern had been the scene of another shooting roughly two months ago. The community's fears are heightened by the alleged threat made by the shooters after the previous incident. Gauteng police commissioner Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni said police were investigating and had established a multidisciplinary team, with leads on the identities of the suspects.
The police have confirmed that most of the injured victims were South Africans, with one Ethiopian and Lesotho nationals also among those hurt. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future. The community is still reeling from the shock of the massacre, with many residents left to pick up the pieces.
The violence is not limited to Wedela, with reports of other shootings in the Western Cape. In Lwandle, 10 people were shot and killed in the early hours of Sunday morning, with 11 others injured. Western Cape police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said gunmen had entered a shisanyama and shot at patrons. In Khayelitsha, four people died in a separate shooting incident when gunmen ambushed four men.
The series of violent incidents has left many in the community fearing for their safety. The police have assured residents that they are working to bring the perpetrators to justice and to prevent further incidents. Lt-Gen Mthombeni said, "Seventeen lives lost is too many." The community will be watching closely to see if the authorities can deliver on their promises to increase security and prevent such attacks in the future.
Key points
- 17 people dead, 15 wounded in suspected robbery at a tavern in Wedela Ext 3 near Carletonville
- The police are investigating robbery as a possible motive, while acknowledging that zama zama turf wars could not be ruled out
- The community is questioning the visible presence of authorities only after the bloodshed, with some residents accusing the government of failing to protect them
