GAUTENG. – A total of 17 people were shot dead in a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, on the West Rand on Saturday evening. A further 15 were injured by gunfire after armed attackers opened fire on people inside and outside the tavern at approximately 21:30.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, eight unknown men, armed with AK-47s and pistols, entered the tavern after shooting at people outside, and fired on tavern-goers inside the premises. They reportedly searched some of them and robbed them of cellphones before the attackers fled the scene in two unknown vehicles. Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
Thirteen men and four women were declared dead at the scene, while the 15 injured were transported to medical facilities.
The motive for the shooting is still unknown. Police have opened 17 murder charges, 15 attempted murder charges and two charges of malicious damage to property. A team of detectives and other specialised units have been mobilised to track down and apprehend the suspects. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
