10 Killed, 10 Injured In Mass Shooting Near Tavern In South African Township
Johannesburg: At least 10 people were killed and 10 others wounded when a gunman opened fire at a township near Johannesburg, police reported Sunday, marking the second mass shooting in South Africa within the month.
Police stated the motive behind the Bekkersdal attack, located 25 miles southwest of the city, remains unclear. “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” a police statement indicated.
“Ten people are dead. We don’t have a breakdown of who they are,” said Brigadier Brenda Muridili, police spokesperson for Gauteng province.
The incident occurred near a tavern or informal bar in Bekkersdal, an economically disadvantaged area situated close to several of South Africa’s main gold mining operations. Those injured were transported to hospital, according to police.
On December 6, armed assailants attacked a hostel near the capital Pretoria, resulting in 12 deaths including a three-year-old child.
Police confirmed the shooting happened at a location that was illegally selling alcohol.
[ With Reuters Inputs ]