At least nine people were killed early Sunday when a group of armed assailants opened fire inside and outside a tavern in South Africa, local police said.
The attack occurred just before 1 a.m. at the KWA Noxolo tavern in Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, according to South African Police Service spokesperson Brenda Muridili. Police said the attackers arrived in two vehicles—a white van and a silver sedan—before entering the tavern and opening fire on patrons.
Authorities said eyewitnesses estimated that as many as 12 suspects were involved, though the exact number remains unclear. The assailants were believed to be armed with at least nine pistols and one AK-47-style assault rifle. All were thought to be men.
Three people were fatally shot inside the tavern, Fred Kekana, the police commissioner for Gauteng, told reporters. The attackers then continued firing outside the establishment, killing six additional people, including a passing motorist. At least 10 others were wounded, he said.
Police said the motive for the attack remains unknown. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants searched the bodies of the dead and injured and stole valuables, including mobile phones, before fleeing the scene.
