Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 23 December 2025

📸 Nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a Bekkersdal tavern, reigniting concerns over violent crime in Gauteng. South African police gather at the scene of a mass shooting where gunmen killed nine and injured at least 10 in a pub in Bekkersdal, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/ Alfonso Nqunjana) Credit: KSL TV

Gauteng has been rocked by yet another deadly mass shooting, this time in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, where nine people were killed in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident, which unfolded at the Kuala Ngolo tavern, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the deteriorating state of safety and security in the province.

Among the victims was an e-hailing driver who had just dropped off a passenger when gunmen allegedly opened fire inside the tavern before spilling into the street and shooting at people indiscriminately. Some of those killed were reportedly bystanders, highlighting the random and brazen nature of the attack.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the shooting, describing it as yet another tragic reminder of the province’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. Speaking to Radio Islam International, DA Gauteng spokesperson Michael Sun said the party was “devastated to hear yet another mass shooting in the province of Gauteng.”

“Our activists on the ground indicated that the gunmen appeared to shoot indiscriminately at patrons inside the tavern,” Sun said. He added that while the motive remains unclear, the area is known for illegal mining activities and associated criminal violence. “We are not ruling out any possibilities, but we do not want to speculate. We are waiting for the police to investigate.”

Sun stressed that the incident should not be treated as an isolated case, especially given a similar mass shooting earlier this month in Saulsville, west of Pretoria, where 11 people were gunned down at a hostel. “It seems like this kind of violent crime, killing many people, is becoming a regular occurrence in the province of Gauteng,” he warned.

He called on the Gauteng provincial government and police leadership to establish a specialised, intelligence-led task team to tackle mass shootings and dismantle criminal networks. “This must include intelligence analysis and informers on the ground. We need to remove illegal firearms from our streets and get to the root of why these establishments are being targeted,” Sun said.

Communities such as Bekkersdal, he added, often feel abandoned until tragedy strikes. “It’s very tragic that community members have to live with this kind of fear every day. Public confidence in the police is fading fast when suspects are not brought to justice.”

The shooting comes during the festive season, a time traditionally associated with family gatherings and celebration. Instead, families are now mourning loved ones. “It’s not a time for funerals,” Sun said, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

As pressure mounts on authorities, communities are calling for action beyond statements. “We don’t want more speeches,” Sun said. “We want to see real safety delivered on the ground.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annisa Essack and Michael Sun.