Government has conveyed its condolences to the families and friends of 18 people killed when eight unidentified gunmen opened fire on patrons at a tavern in Wedela, Carletonville, on the West Rand.
Speaking at a post-cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said 17 people died at the scene and another later succumbed to their injuries. Five people remain in critical condition in hospital.
Ntshavheni said only four of the deceased had been identified. Government urged people with relatives living in the area to check on them and report missing persons to the police.
“Two vehicles were set alight and cellphones were stolen. Police are pursuing eight suspects linked to the shootings,” the Minister said.
Gauteng police have since launched a manhunt for the eight unidentified gunmen.
Patrons were reportedly drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside.
The gunmen then entered the tavern and continued firing at patrons. They were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.
They allegedly searched several patrons, stole their cellphones and fled in two unidentified vehicles.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Gauteng police have assembled a team of detectives and specialised units to trace and apprehend the suspects.
Government also conveyed its condolences to the families and friends of 10 people killed in a separate shooting in Lwandle, Cape Town, on Saturday evening. Five died at the scene and the remaining five died en route to hospital.
“Multidisciplinary investigation teams are in place to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
