South African police have launched a manhunt after at least nine people were killed and 10 others wounded in a mass shooting at a tavern in a township near Johannesburg early Sunday.

According to police, the attack took place just before 1am on Sunday in the Bekkersdal township. About 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan before opening fire on patrons at a licensed tavern.

Authorities said the attackers continued shooting as they fled, with some victims “randomly shot in the streets” outside the bar.

In a statement, police said a manhunt is under way involving Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations and the Crime Detection Tracing Unit. Officers are searching for those responsible for the deadly shooting.

The wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals, while the scene was secured for forensic investigation.

Attackers also robbed victims, police say

South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC reported that the attackers not only shot tavern patrons but also targeted people in the surrounding streets. Acting Gauteng police commissioner Fred Kekana said investigators are still collecting witness statements.

Kekana added that the attackers searched victims after shooting them, stealing valuables such as mobile phones. Three people were killed inside the bar, while others were shot as they tried to escape.

Ride-hailing driver among the dead

Police confirmed that a ride-hailing service driver who was outside the tavern at the time of the attack is among those killed. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been established.

Initial media reports put the death toll at 10, but authorities later confirmed that nine people were killed.

South Africa has seen several mass shootings at bars, commonly known as shebeens or taverns, in recent years. Earlier this month, at least 12 people, including a three-year-old child, were killed in a shooting at an unlicensed bar near Pretoria.

Such attacks have raised concerns about public safety in informal social spaces.

South Africa continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime. In 2024 alone, the country recorded nearly 26,000 homicides—an average of more than 70 per day.

While the country has relatively strict gun control laws, officials say many crimes are carried out using illegal firearms, often linked to criminal groups and competition among informal businesses.