December 21, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
South Africa was shaken by another deadly gun attack on Sunday after unknown assailants opened fire in a township near Johannesburg, killing nine people and leaving at least 10 others injured.
The incident occurred in Bekkersdal, an impoverished township located about 40 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg, when gunmen arrived in two vehicles and unleashed a hail of bullets on residents gathered near an informal tavern.
According to police, the attackers began shooting indiscriminately, targeting tavern patrons and passers-by before fleeing the scene.
“Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” police said in a statement.
“The suspects opened fire at people inside and around the tavern and continued shooting as they escaped.”
Police initially confirmed 10 fatalities, but later revised the death toll to nine, with 10 others sustaining gunshot wounds. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals and are receiving medical treatment.
The Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, told SABC News that among those killed was a driver working for an online ride-hailing service, who was outside the tavern at the time of the attack.
Authorities say the motive remains unclear, and a full manhunt has been launched to track down the perpetrators. No arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report.
Bekkersdal lies close to some of South Africa’s major gold-mining areas and is known for high unemployment, poverty, and crime. The country continues to battle rampant violent crime, with many shootings linked to gang violence, turf wars, and disputes over informal alcohol sales.
The latest attack is the second mass shooting recorded in South Africa this December. Earlier in the month, on December 6, gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville township near Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three-year-old child, and injuring at least 14 others. Police said that attack also occurred at a location where alcohol was being sold illegally.
Sunday’s bloodshed has once again renewed concerns over public safety and gun violence in South Africa, as communities continue to demand stronger security measures and decisive action from authorities.
More updates to follow as investigations continue.
