Gunmen in Minibus Storm Bekkersdal Pub Near Johannesburg, Killing Patrons in Latest Shebeen Bloodbath Fueling Calls for Tougher Firearm Controls
A mass shooting at a tavern in South Africa’s Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg has claimed 10 lives as of December 23, 2025, escalating concerns over rampant gun violence in the country with one of the world’s highest homicide rates. The early-morning attack on December 21 involved around 12 gunmen in a white minibus and silver sedan who fired indiscriminately inside the KwaNoxolo tavern and on nearby streets, wounding at least nine others still hospitalized. Police have identified two suspects based on community tips and charged the pub owner with fraud for illegal liquor sales, amid a manhunt using specialized crime units .
Attack Details
The assault began just before 1 a.m., with gunmen armed with an AK-47 and 9mm pistols targeting patrons; three died inside the bar while others fell fleeing or on streets. Victims included three women, seven men, and a ride-hailing driver killed after dropping off a client, with attackers looting phones and valuables post-shooting. This marks the second such tavern massacre in three weeks, following a December 6 incident near Pretoria that killed 12, including children.
Police Response
Gauteng’s acting commissioner Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana deployed serious violent crime investigators, crime intelligence, and tracing units to the scene. Authorities confiscated all alcohol from the licensed venue, which they now deem illegal, and emphasized community cooperation in identifying perpetrators. No motive has surfaced, but officials note a pattern of bar-related mass shootings tied to gang rivalries or turf disputes.
Broader Gun Crisis
South Africa grapples with frequent shebeen attacks, often unlicensed spots fueling violence in underserved townships. Recent incidents highlight failures in gun control, with calls for stricter laws and faster policing amid public outrage. A 32-year-old was arrested Monday in the prior Pretoria case, signaling incremental progress but underscoring systemic challenges.
