Manhunt in South Africa after tavern shooting
Police in South Africa have initiated a large-scale manhunt following a deadly shooting at a tavern southwest of Johannesburg. The incident, which occurred in the Wedela township in Gauteng province, resulted in the deaths of seventeen people, with another fifteen sustaining injuries. Emergency medical teams pronounced all seventeen victims, comprising thirteen men and four women, dead at the scene of the attack.
The assailants, described as eight armed men, reportedly opened fire on patrons outside the establishment before entering the premises and continuing their shooting spree. They were allegedly armed with high-caliber AK-47 rifles and pistols. The attack took place late on a Saturday evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time. Following the shooting, the suspects are believed to have searched some of the patrons, taking their mobile phones, before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Additionally, two other vehicles were set alight during the incident.
Authorities have not yet established a motive for the brutal attack, and no arrests have been made in connection with the killings. The Gauteng police have mobilized a dedicated team of detectives and specialized units to track down and apprehend those responsible. The investigation is ongoing, with police having opened seventeen counts of murder, fifteen counts of attempted murder, and two counts of malicious damage to property. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime in various parts of South Africa.
