In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, nine individuals lost their lives and at least ten others sustained injuries when assailants unleashed gunfire in a South African pub. This marks the nation’s second mass shooting in under a month, prompting a vigorous search for the perpetrators.

The violent episode unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. at the KwaNoxolo tavern in the township of Bekkersdal, situated approximately 28 miles west of Johannesburg. According to police reports, around 12 unidentified suspects, traveling in a white mini-bus and a silver sedan, began shooting at patrons inside the pub. The chaotic scene continued as they indiscriminately fired shots while fleeing the area.

Authorities reported, “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen.”

Onlookers watched as South African police assembled at the crime scene in Bekkersdal, where the gunmen’s brutal attack resulted in numerous casualties. The event has drawn significant attention, given its severity.

Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, who is currently acting as Gauteng’s provincial commissioner, revealed to The Associated Press that some of the attackers concealed their identities with balaclavas. They were equipped with an AK-47 rifle and multiple 9mm pistols, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.

Onlookers gather at the scene of a mass shooting, where gunmen killed nine and injured at least 10 in a pub in Bekkersdal, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/ Alfonso Nqunjana)

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, led by Gauteng’s Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit in coordination with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit.

South African police investigate a mass shooting in Bekkersdal, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/ Alfonso Nqunjana)

The attack follows a string of mass shootings at bars — often called shebeens or taverns in South Africa. Earlier this month, multiple gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed bar near the capital, killing at least 12 people and injuring 13 others.