By Priya Ranchod
A massive police manhunt is underway following the brutal killing of 17 people during a shooting at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand ,on Saturday night.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 9:30pm on 26 September 2026, has left Gauteng reeling as police intensify efforts to track down eight unidentified gunmen believed to be responsible for one of the province's deadliest recent mass shootings.
According to preliminary information, patrons were socialising both inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The gunmen allegedly opened fire on people gathered outside before entering the tavern and continuing their shooting spree.
Witness accounts indicate that some victims were searched and robbed of their personal belongings, including cellphones, before the suspects fled in two unidentified vehicles. During the attack, two vehicles at the scene were set alight and burnt beyond recognition.
Emergency Medical Services declared 17 victims dead at the scene. The deceased comprise 13 men and four women. A further 15 people sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to various medical facilities for treatment.
Speaking at the scene, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni described the tragedy as devastating and assured residents that law enforcement agencies were working around the clock to arrest those responsible.
He confirmed that a multidisciplinary task team had been established in the early hours of Sunday morning. The team includes Crime Intelligence, detectives, Crime Scene Management, the Criminal Record Centre and tracking specialists, supported by community members willing to assist police with information.
Mthombeni said investigators had already developed promising leads and were confident that progress would be made in identifying and locating the perpetrators.
Police are also working to identify all the victims. At the time of the briefing, only three of the deceased had been positively identified. One has been confirmed as a South African citizen, while others identified thus far include nationals from Lesotho.
Among the 15 injured victims, police confirmed that 11 are South African citizens, one is an Ethiopian national and three are citizens of Lesotho.
While the exact motive remains under investigation, police believe robbery may have played a significant role in the attack. Investigators pointed to the theft of personal belongings and cooler bags during the incident as a possible indication of a robbery-related motive.
However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting may be linked to ongoing tensions associated with illegal mining activities in the area. Wedela lies within a mining region that has experienced criminal activity linked to illegal mining operations.
Mthombeni reiterated that Operation Prosper, aimed at combating illegal mining and organised crime, remains active in the West Rand. He noted that members of the South African National Defence Force have already been deployed in surrounding areas as part of ongoing operations and were not specifically brought in following the massacre.
The Provincial Commissioner highlighted recent successes in the region, including the recovery of explosives and ammunition during operations conducted in August, as well as the arrest of several suspected illegal immigrants. Police also recently arrested a suspect in possession of an AK-47 rifle and a large quantity of ammunition in the West Rand.
Addressing concerns about liquor outlet compliance, Mthombeni revealed that police had conducted inspections at several establishments in Ivory Park on Saturday. One outlet was found to be operating without a valid licence.
Although the tavern involved in the shooting appeared to possess licensing documentation, police have launched a verification process with the Gauteng Liquor Board to confirm its authenticity and legal status.
Police have opened cases of 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property. No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
As grieving families await answers, Gauteng police remain focused on bringing those responsible for the massacre to justice and determining the full circumstances behind the deadly attack.
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