World

Manhunt after 17 shot dead at tavern in South Africa

By AAP Newswire

Sep 27, 2026

A police officer is seen at a scene of a mass shooting — South African Police say a group of men armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols shot dead 17 people. -AP

South African police have launched a manhunt ‌after 17 people were killed and ‌15 wounded in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela township southwest of Johannesburg.

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Emergency medical services declared the 13 males ‌and four females ‌dead ⁠at the scene, and the motive for the shooting was not known, the South African Police Service said in a statement posted on X.

"Suspects were reportedly ⁠armed ‌with AK-47 rifles and pistols," the statement said.

The shooting occurred about 9.30pm (1930 GMT) on Saturday in Gauteng province.

Fifteen other victims with gunshot wounds were transported to medical facilities, the police said.

No arrests ‌have been made, the statement said.

Suspects allegedly targeted the tavern, opening fire on customers drinking outside and then moving inside to continue shooting, the police said.

"They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles," police said.

"Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident."