In a chilling early-morning attack on Sunday, December 21, 2025, a group of approximately 12 unknown suspects opened fire on a crowd at a tavern in Bekkersdal, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. The mass shooting has claimed at least 10 lives, with an additional 10 people injured, many of whom remain in critical condition.
The Attack: “Random and Without Warning”
The shooting occurred just before 1:00 AM local time (23:00 GMT Saturday). According to police reports and eyewitness accounts:
- The Vehicles: Witnesses saw a white kombi (minivan) and a silver sedan pull up to the tavern.
- The Shooting: Gunmen jumped out and began firing indiscriminately with automatic rifles at patrons inside the tavern and people walking on the streets outside.
- The Chaos: The suspects continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene, causing widespread panic in the impoverished mining township.
Police Response and Manhunt
Brigadier Brenda Muridili, spokesperson for the Gauteng province police, confirmed the death toll but noted that authorities are still working on identifying the victims.
- The Investigation: A high-level team, including the Provincial Crime Detective team and Crime Intelligence, has been deployed to the scene.
- The Tavern Status: While initial reports suggested the tavern was illegal, newer statements from the police indicate they are verifying if the establishment was licensed, though it was located in an area known for unlicensed “shebeens.”
- Motive Unknown: Police have stated that the motive remains unclear. However, the area is located near major gold mines, and past incidents in the region have often been linked to turf wars or illegal mining (zama zamas) activities.
A Wave of Gun Violence
This incident is the latest in a series of horrific mass shootings that have gripped South Africa in December 2025:
| Date | Location | Fatalities | Details |
| Dec 21, 2025 | Bekkersdal | 10 | Tavern shooting involving 12 suspects in two vehicles. |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Saulsville | 12 | Included three children (aged 3, 12, and 16); occurred at a hostel bar. |
| July 2025 | Olievenhoutbosch | 5 | Linked to suspected turf wars involving illegal mining. |
Community in Fear
Bekkersdal remains under a heavy security blanket as police conduct door-to-door searches. Local residents have expressed growing frustration over the “unpredictable danger” of tavern-related violence. South Africa currently records an average of over 70 homicides a day, with firearms being the leading cause of death.