Wedela tavern shooting leaves 17 dead as police hunt suspects

A night out at a tavern in Wedela, on Gauteng’s West Rand, turned deadly when gunmen opened fire on patrons, leaving 17 people dead and 15 others injured Joburg Etc reports.

The shooting happened at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, at about 21:30pm on Saturday night. Police said patrons were drinking both inside and outside the tavern when eight unidentified armed men arrived and allegedly opened fire on people outside. The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside.

According to police, the men were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the area in two unidentified vehicles.

Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.

Emergency Medical Services declared 17 people dead at the scene. The victims comprised 13 males and four females.

Fifteen other people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for further treatment.

The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, with police yet to establish what led to the attack. Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for the eight suspects and have mobilised detectives and specialised units to assist with the investigation.

Police have opened 17 cases of murder, 15 cases of attempted murder and two cases of malicious damage to property. No arrests have been made at this stage.

Anyone who may have information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App.