Gauteng police have arrested 11 suspects linked to the deadly mass shooting at the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal that claimed 10 lives last week.
The suspects were apprehended in possession of multiple firearms, including an AK47 rifle. Ten patrons were killed and another ten remain in critical condition in hospital after a group of armed men stormed the tavern and opened fire indiscriminately on revellers.
In a related development, police arrested the tavern owner and confiscated all alcohol on the premises after discovering she was operating with a fraudulent liquor licence. The licence had previously been seized for verification following the mass shooting.
The arrests follow intensified police operations in the area amid growing concerns over violence linked to illegal taverns and criminal activity in the West Rand.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court soon, where they will face charges including murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
This latest tragedy has reignited calls for stricter regulation of liquor outlets and improved safety measures in high-risk communities.