Death toll in South Africa’s latest pub shooting rises to 10

The death toll in South Africa’s latest mass shooting at a pub has climbed to 10, authorities confirmed Tuesday, as police announced they have identified two potential suspects in the deadly attack.

The shooting occurred early Sunday morning in the township of Bekkersdal, approximately 46 kilometers west of Johannesburg. Three women and seven men lost their lives in the attack, while nine others remain hospitalized with injuries sustained during the incident.

Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the Gauteng police, told The Associated Press that the owner of the establishment will face charges of fraud and operating an illegal liquor outlet. All alcohol at the premises has been confiscated by authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.

Speaking to reporters, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Major General Fred Kekana, revealed that two individuals have been identified as potential suspects in the shooting. These identifications were made based on information provided to police by members of the local community.

This tragic incident marks the second mass shooting at a township pub in South Africa in just three weeks, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence in these community establishments, which are sometimes referred to as shebeens or taverns in the country.

In early December, at least 12 people were killed in a similar attack at an unlicensed bar near Pretoria, the nation’s administrative capital. Authorities made a breakthrough in that case on Monday with the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect, though details about the motive remain unclear.

Township pubs often serve as important social hubs in South Africa’s lower-income communities, where residents gather to socialize, celebrate, and escape the pressures of daily life. However, many operate without proper licensing or security measures, making them vulnerable to criminal activity.

South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Government statistics show over 26,000 murders reported in 2024 alone, translating to a daily average exceeding 70 deaths. This persistent violence has become a significant concern for citizens and policymakers alike.

Despite the country’s relatively strict gun ownership regulations, firearms remain the most commonly used weapons in violent crimes. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly pointed to the proliferation of illegal firearms as a major contributor to the high murder rate.

Criminal syndicates and underground networks facilitate the distribution of unlicensed weapons throughout the country, many of which are smuggled across borders or stolen from police and military stockpiles. These illegal weapons frequently find their way into the hands of criminal organizations operating in township areas.

The South African Police Service has intensified efforts to address gun violence through targeted operations aimed at recovering illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks. However, the persistence of mass shootings suggests these efforts have yet to make a significant impact on the availability of illegal weapons.

Community leaders and civil society organizations have called for increased police presence in township areas, along with stricter enforcement of liquor licensing laws to ensure pub owners implement proper security measures.

As investigations into both recent mass shootings continue, South Africans are once again confronting the painful reality of violence that continues to plague many communities across the nation, particularly in underserved township areas where economic opportunities remain limited and security infrastructure is often inadequate.