What began as a late-night hangout turned into a nightmare. Who expects gunfire when they’re just out for a drink?
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, became the scene of one of South Africa’s deadliest recent shootings.
Just after 1am, about a dozen gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons.
When people tried to run, the bullets kept coming.
By the end, nine people were dead — seven men and two women — and at least 10 others were wounded.
High Murder Rates
Police say the attackers were heavily armed, carrying handguns and an AK-47.
“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” said Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Fred Kekana, calling the attack “unprovoked.”
Among the victims were people shot while fleeing — and even a taxi driver who happened to be nearby.
The motive? Still a mystery. But the setting isn’t. South Africa records some of the highest murder rates in the world.
Earlier this year, there was an average of 63 killings a day.
For locals, the violence feels routine. “As soon as it’s dusk, we know gunshots are coming,” one resident said quietly.
A licensed tavern. Ordinary people. Unchecked guns.
And a familiar question left hanging in the air: how many more nights like this before something finally changes?
