Gunmen kill 15 in South African bar

Gunmen have killed at least 15 people at a tavern in Nomzamo informal settlement in Orlando East, South Africa.

The Gauteng Province Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Elias Mawela, who confirmed the incident at a press conference on Sunday morning, said an unspecified number of people were killed in the attack.

He added that police operatives are on the lookout for the perpetrators of the attack.

Mawela said: “Police officers are on the look-out for unknown suspects following an apparent random shooting incident at a local tavern in Nomzamo informal settlement, Orlando East.

Read also:Gunmen reportedly attack NYSC lodge, cart away laptops, others in Akwa Ibom

“It is reported that at about 12.30am (today), a group of men armed with rifles and 9mm pistols entered the tavern and started shooting randomly at the patrons who were sitting inside.

“At least 23 people were shot. 12 of them were declared dead on the scene, while 11 victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. Two more victims were later declared dead at the hospital.

“The preliminary investigation suggests that these people were enjoying themselves here in a licensed tavern operating within the right hours.

“The area where the shooting took place was very dark, making it harder to find people who could identify the suspects.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now