Bekkersdal Tavern Shooting Sparks Urgent Call to Shut Down Illegal Alcohol Outlets
- A criminology expert cautioned that unlicensed and inadequately regulated taverns have become a major site of violent crime
- Professor Gopal urged law enforcement agencies and relevant government departments to take decisive action against illegal alcohol outlets
- The call comes in the wake of a mass shooting at a Bekkersdal tavern on the West Rand on Sunday, 21 December 2025
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Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
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Concerns over the role of unregulated alcohol outlets in violent crime have intensified following a deadly shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal on the West Rand, where nine people were killed and at least 10 others wounded early on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Focal points for extreme violence
According to The South African, Criminology expert Professor Nirmala Gopal said incidents of this nature highlight how illegal and poorly monitored taverns are increasingly becoming focal points for extreme violence across the country. She argued that authorities can no longer ignore the risks these establishments pose to already vulnerable communities.
Gopal urged police and relevant government departments to prioritise the closure of illegal alcohol outlets, warning that failure to act continues to expose residents to danger. She said the presence of such taverns must be reassessed, particularly in an environment marked by high unemployment and escalating crime, adding that alcohol outlets, whether licensed or not, offer little benefit under current conditions.
The warning follows the attack at KwaNoxolo Tavern, where gunmen opened fire on patrons shortly after midnight. Survivors and residents described widespread panic in the aftermath, with bodies lying inside the premises and injured victims left waiting for assistance. Due to delays in emergency response, community members reportedly resorted to transporting the wounded to a nearby clinic using wheelbarrows.
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12 suspects arrived at the tavern
Police have confirmed that roughly 12 suspects arrived at the tavern in two vehicles, a white minibus taxi and a silver sedan, before launching the attack and fleeing. Investigators have yet to establish a motive. Frustration within the community has also grown, with residents calling for stronger collaboration between police and local leadership. Some community members claim fear, intimidation and corruption discourage people from speaking out.
Violent crime specialist Mike Bolhuis said investigations have been slowed by a lack of information from the public. He noted that while community members may know what happened, fear of retaliation often prevents cooperation. He added that such attacks frequently affect poorer areas and may stem from disputes linked to vigilantism or control of territory. Police have again appealed for information, assuring the public that confidentiality will be maintained.
Two teenagers killed in mass shooting in Westbury
Briefly News reported that two teenagers were killed following a mass shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg. The youngsters were among a group that was targeted in the shooting in the area on 21 October 2025.
Five others were injured in the shooting, with one of the victims said to be in critical condition in the hospital.
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Source: Briefly News
