Wedela tavern shooting: Death toll rises to 18 as police hunt eight gunmen

Eighteen people have died

Identifications and injuries

Only four of the dead have been identified: two South Africans and two Lesotho nationals. Police said all injured victims who remain in hospital have been identified. Five were shot in the upper body and are critically wounded, while the others are in a stable condition, according to police.

Investigation and charges

Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has established a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the attack, Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said.

“The team comprises seasoned murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members, and is led by a senior brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province,”

Police have updated the charges to 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property and armed robbery.

Manhunt and operational response

Police launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men after the shooting. No arrests have been made, the police spokesperson said.

Operation Prosper which includes the South African National Defence Force and specialised SAPS units such as the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing has been brought in to update its operational matrix and intensify operations in Wedela and surrounding areas.

What happened at the tavern

Police said patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the gunmen arrived and opened fire on those outside.

“The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,”

The men were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident, police said.

Motive and next steps

The motive for the shooting remains unknown. The multidisciplinary team will continue the investigation, combining forensic, intelligence and investigative resources.