The death toll from the deadly shooting at a tavern in Wedela, in Gauteng’s West Rand District, has risen to 18 after one more victim died in hospital.
Police confirmed the latest death on Monday as investigators continued searching for eight unidentified armed men linked to the attack. The shooting happened on Friday evening and left patrons dead and wounded at the tavern in Extension 3, Wedela.
Only four of the victims who died had been identified at the latest update. They included two South African nationals and two nationals from Lesotho. The process of identifying the remaining victims and informing their families was continuing.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni had established a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the mass shooting.
“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,” Muridili said.
The investigation includes experienced murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence officers and Crime Scene Investigation members. A senior brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in Gauteng is leading the team.
Charges updated as death toll climbs
Muridili said the charges had been updated following the death of the 18th victim. Police are now investigating 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property and armed robbery.
The attempted murder charges relate to people who survived the attack but suffered gunshot wounds. Muridili said all the injured victims who remained in hospital had been identified.
“According to information provided to the police, five were shot in the upper body and are critically wounded, while the others are in a stable condition,” she said.
The condition of the five critically wounded victims has added urgency to the investigation, as police continue to work with medical facilities and gather information about what happened during the attack. The other injured victims were described as being in a stable condition.
Specialised units deployed
Operation Prosper has been brought in to update its operational plan and intensify police operations in Wedela and nearby areas. The operation includes members of the South African National Defence Force and specialised South African Police Service units.
Among the SAPS units involved are the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing. Their involvement is expected to strengthen the search for the suspects and support operations in the community surrounding the tavern.
Muridili said no arrests had been made.
Police launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men after the shooting. Investigators are trying to establish where the suspects went after leaving the scene and identify the vehicles allegedly used in their escape.
Gunmen allegedly attacked patrons outside and inside
Muridili said patrons were drinking both 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,” she said.
The men were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. After the shooting, 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. It was not immediately clear whether the vehicles belonged to patrons, the suspects or other people connected to the venue.
The attackers’ motive remains unknown. Police have not confirmed whether the suspects knew any of the victims, whether the tavern was deliberately targeted or whether the robbery was connected to the shooting.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no suspects have been arrested or appeared in court.
Search for answers continues
The multidisciplinary investigation is expected to examine evidence collected at the tavern, statements from survivors and witnesses, the burned vehicles and any information about the two unidentified vehicles used in the escape.
The team will also need to determine the exact sequence of events, including how the attackers entered the venue, how long the shooting lasted and how the gunmen were able to leave the area.
The death of the 18th victim has increased the number of murder and attempted murder charges and deepened the tragedy for families waiting for information about their loved ones. Four victims have been identified so far, while the identities of the remaining deceased victims have not been released.
With five injured people critically wounded in the upper body, police and medical teams remain focused on the survivors as detectives continue the hunt for the eight suspects. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and the search in Wedela and surrounding areas is ongoing.