UPDATE: The death toll is now 10.
At least nine people have been shot dead in a mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal on the West Rand.
The shooting happened in the early hours of Sunday morning at KwaNoxolo tavern in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the incident occurred just before 01:00. About 12 unknown suspects arrived in a white kombi and a silver sedan and opened fire on patrons inside the tavern. The suspects continued shooting randomly as they fled the scene.
Nine people were killed and 10 others were injured. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The death toll is now 10. https://t.co/UMe4n9vBrt
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 21, 2025
Mathe confirmed that Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations and the Crime Detection Tracing Unit have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Major General Kekana is currently at the scene.
Police have confirmed that the tavern is licensed. Investigations are ongoing.
