17 killed, 15 wounded in South Africa tavern shooting as police hunt suspects

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 27:  South African police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified suspects after 17 people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg.

The shooting occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday in Gauteng province. Police said the suspects, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, opened fire on patrons drinking outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot.

Emergency medical services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene. The victims included 13 men and four women, while the 15 wounded were taken to medical facilities for treatment, police said.

Police said the suspects allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were reportedly set on fire. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown, authorities said.

Police have opened murder, attempted murder and property-damage cases as the investigation continues.