On Sunday, gunmen opened fire in a township near Johannesburg, South Africa, resulting in at least ten fatalities and injuries to another ten individuals. This event represents the second mass shooting in the country for December.
The incident took place in Bekkersdal, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. According to Agence France-Presse, officials stated that the motive for the shooting is still unclear.Police reported that numerous individuals were randomly targeted as they navigated the streets.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed to AFP that the death toll stands at ten, noting that authorities are still working to gather more information about the victims.
The shooting allegedly occurred near a tavern or informal drinking establishment in Bekkersdal, an economically challenged region situated near some of the nation's major gold-mining areas. Authorities reported that the wounded were transported to local hospitals for medical care. Investigators revealed that the incident happened at a location functioning as an unlicensed alcohol venue.
On December 6, a hostel close to Pretoria was assaulted by armed attackers, leading to the deaths of 12 people, including a three-year-old child. South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, continues to grapple with widespread violent crime and ranks among the countries with the highest homicide rates worldwide.
This is a developing story, further details are awaited.
