Gauteng police have launched an extensive manhunt following the fatal shooting of 17 people at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, on Saturday night.
The attack, which unfolded at around 9:30pm in Extension 3, has left residents shocked and grieving, while investigators work to track down eight armed suspects believed to be responsible.
According to police, patrons were gathered inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The gunmen allegedly opened fire on people outside before entering the premises and continuing the attack on those inside.
In addition to the shooting, the suspects reportedly robbed some patrons of their personal belongings, including cellphones, before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles at the scene were also set alight, leaving them completely destroyed.
Emergency Medical Services confirmed that 17 people, including 13 men and four women, died at the scene. Fifteen others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni described the incident as a tragedy and said a specialised multidisciplinary team had been established within hours of the shooting to drive the investigation.
The team includes Crime Intelligence, detectives, Crime Scene Management, the Criminal Record Centre and tracking specialists. Community members are also being encouraged to assist police by providing any information that may help identify and locate the suspects.
Mthombeni said investigators have already received valuable information and are following several leads.
"We are convinced that we will be able to follow up on the information we have received and make progress in this investigation," he said.
Police are still in the process of formally identifying all the victims. At the time of the briefing, only three of the deceased had been positively identified. Authorities confirmed that one was a South African citizen, while others identified so far include nationals from Lesotho.
Among the injured victims, 11 are South African citizens, one is an Ethiopian national and three are from Lesotho.
While the motive remains under investigation, police believe robbery may have been a significant factor in the attack. The theft of personal belongings during the shooting forms part of the evidence being examined by investigators.
However, Mthombeni said police have not ruled out the possibility that the killings may be linked to ongoing conflicts associated with illegal mining activities in the region. Wedela is situated within a mining belt that has experienced criminal activity related to illicit mining operations.
The Provincial Commissioner emphasised that Operation Prosper, which targets illegal mining and organised crime, remains active across the West Rand. He noted that law enforcement agencies, including members of the South African National Defence Force, have already been operating in surrounding areas as part of broader crime-combating efforts.
Recent operations have resulted in the seizure of explosives, ammunition and illegal firearms, as well as the arrest of numerous suspects linked to criminal activity.
Mthombeni also addressed concerns regarding compliance within the liquor industry. He confirmed that police continue to work closely with the Gauteng Liquor Board to verify licences and ensure that liquor establishments operate legally.
Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property. No arrests have been made and investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are waiting for answers while police intensify efforts to bring those responsible for one of Gauteng's deadliest mass shootings to justice.
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