Wedela tavern shooting: 17 killed as police hunt eight gunmen

Gauteng police are hunting eight armed men after a shooting at a tavern in Wedela, on the West Rand, killed 17 people and injured 15 others on Saturday night, 26 September.

Police said patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern in Extension 3 when the gunmen arrived at about 21:30. They allegedly shot at people outside before entering the tavern and opening fire on patrons inside.

#BREAKING At least 17 people were killed and 15 others seriously wounded in a mass shooting at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, South Africa, on Saturday night.

Police said at least eight suspects armed with AK-47 rifles and handguns opened fire on patrons outside the… pic.twitter.com/btq5s5BXBS

— Global OSINT (@GlobalOSINTHQ) September 27, 2026

Fled in two unidentified vehicles

“The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols,” Gauteng police said in a statement compiled by Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.

Police said the attackers searched some patrons, took their cellphones and fled in two unidentified vehicles. Two other vehicles were set alight during the incident.

Emergency Medical Services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene. They were 13 men and four women. Emergency workers took 15 people with gunshot wounds to medical facilities for treatment.

Manhunt launched after Wedela tavern shooting

Gauteng police have mobilised detectives and specialised units to trace the suspects. They have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.

The motive remains unknown. Police had made no arrests when they issued their statement on Sunday.

Anyone with information can call the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit a tip anonymously through the MySAPS app.

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