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Eleven suspects detained after nine killed in Bekkersdal tavern attack
South African police have arrested eleven individuals in connection with a mass shooting at a tavern near Johannesburg that left nine people dead early Sunday. Authorities believe the attack may be tied to conflicts over illegal mining territories.
Timeline of the attack
The gunmen opened fire on patrons at the Bekkersdal establishment around 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT Saturday). Witnesses reported that the assailants continued shooting as people fled, killing two additional victims outside the tavern, including a taxi driver who had just dropped off a passenger.
Suspects' nationalities and seized weapons
Major General Fred Kekana, provincial deputy police commissioner, stated on Wednesday that nine of the arrested suspects are nationals of Lesotho, one is from Mozambique, and another is a South African mineworker. Police recovered several unlicensed firearms during the arrests, including an AK-47 rifle.
Possible motive: Illegal mining turf wars
While initial reports described the attack as unprovoked, preliminary investigations now suggest a link to disputes over illegal mining operations. South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with violence often stemming from arguments, robberies, and gang conflicts.
Firearms landscape and rising violence trends
According to Gideon Joubert of the South African Gunowners' Association, there are approximately 3 million legally registered firearms in the country, alongside an estimated equal number of unlicensed weapons. Despite a decline in reported mass shootings in 2025, Claire Taylor, a researcher at Gun Free South Africa, noted a significant rise in incidents involving four or more casualties since 2020.
Taverns and illegal drinking spots, known locally as shebeens, are frequent targets of such attacks. This shooting follows another deadly incident at the Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria just two weeks prior, where eleven people, including a three-year-old child, were killed.
Next steps in the investigation
Police are continuing their inquiry to determine the full extent of the suspects' involvement and to identify any remaining accomplices. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected.
