A brutal mass shooting at the KwaNoxolo Tavern in the Tambo informal settlement of Bekkersdal left nine people dead and at least 10 others wounded in the early hours of Sunday, December 21, 2025.
The attack occurred just before 1 a.m. when approximately 12 armed suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus and a silver sedan. The gunmen stormed the licensed tavern and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons, using at least nine 9mm pistols and one AK-47 rifle. As they fled, they continued shooting randomly into the streets, striking people outside the establishment.
Among the victims were seven men and two women. An e-hailing driver, who had just dropped off a passenger nearby, was caught in the crossfire and killed. Some reports indicate the attackers robbed victims of valuables, such as cellphones, after shooting them.
Gauteng police have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, with no arrests reported as of Sunday afternoon. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed that specialist units—including Serious and Violent Crimes detectives, crime intelligence operatives, and a provincial tracking team—have been deployed to the scene.
Forensic evidence, including spent cartridges, fingerprints, and ballistics, is being analyzed to potentially link the weapons to other crimes. “The motive for the killing is still unknown,” police stated, though the area is plagued by issues related to illegal mining, gang violence, and the proliferation of firearms.
The community in Tambo informal settlement is reeling, describing the township as a “war zone” amid frequent gunfire. Long-time resident Sandile Mahlangu called for greater police visibility and independent probes into alleged corruption at the local station, claiming officers sometimes collude with criminals.
Deputy Executive Mayor of Rand West City Municipality, Nontombi Molahleki, criticized the delayed police response, noting the Bekkersdal station is overstretched, serving multiple large areas.
This incident marks the second mass shooting in Gauteng this month, following a December 6 attack near Pretoria that killed 12 people. Tavern shootings have become a recurring tragedy in South Africa, often tied to organized crime, extortion, or rivalries.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.
The investigation is ongoing.