At least 10 people have been killed and several others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire in Bekkersdal, a township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Police authorities confirmed that the attack occurred on Sunday in the impoverished community located about 40 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. The assailants reportedly shot victims at random, including individuals who were in the streets at the time of the incident.
Speaking on the development, Gauteng Province police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, said the identities of the victims were yet to be fully established. She added that no clear motive had been determined as investigations continue.
Preliminary reports indicate that the shooting took place near a tavern believed to be operating illegally. The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while security agencies secured the area.
The incident marks the second mass shooting in South Africa this month. Earlier in December, gunmen attacked a hostel near Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three-year-old child.
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime. With a population of about 63 million, the country ranks among those with the highest murder rates globally, prompting renewed calls for stronger community safety measures and law enforcement interventions.
Police have urged residents with useful information to cooperate with ongoing investigations as efforts continue to bring those responsible to justice.
