Seventeen killed, 15 wounded in Wedela tavern mass shooting in South Africa on Saturday night; police hunt eight gunmen
JOHANNESBURG — Seventeen people were shot dead and 15 others wounded when eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols stormed a tavern in Wedela, on Gauteng’s West Rand, on Saturday night.
The attack occurred at about 21:30 on 26 September 2026 at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand District.
According to Gauteng police, patrons were drinking both inside and outside the establishment when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside.
The gunmen then entered the tavern and continued shooting at people inside.
The victims were 13 males and four females.
Emergency Medical Services declared all 17 dead at the scene.
Fifteen other patrons sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Police said the suspects searched some patrons and robbed them of their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.
Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
No arrests have been made.
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for the eight suspects and mobilised detectives and specialised units to track them down.
A case has been opened with 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit details anonymously via the MySAPS app.