17 Killed in West Rand Tavern Shooting as Gauteng Police Hunt 8 Armed Suspects

• Gunmen opened fire on patrons inside and outside a West Rand tavern on Saturday night, killing 17 people
• The eight suspects, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, fled in two vehicles after also setting two cars alight
• Gauteng police have opened 17 counts of murder and mobilised detectives and specialised units to track down the suspects

GAUTENG — Seventeen people were shot dead and 15 others wounded after eight gunmen stormed a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand District, on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at approximately 21:30.

Gauteng police confirmed that patrons were gathered inside and outside the establishment when the suspects arrived and began shooting at those on the outside. The attackers then moved into the tavern and continued firing at people inside before searching some patrons and taking their cellphones. The group subsequently fled the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles. Two vehicles were set alight during the attack.

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17 dead, 15 wounded at Wedela tavern

Emergency Medical Services attended the scene and declared all 17 victims dead at the scene. The deceased comprised 13 males and four females. A further 15 people sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

Witnesses and investigators indicated that the suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. No further description of the suspects has been released.

Manhunt under way, no arrests made

Gauteng police have deployed a team of detectives alongside other specialised units to trace and apprehend the eight suspects. Charges filed include 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder, and two counts of malicious damage to property.

The motive for the shooting has not yet been established, and no arrests have been made. Investigations remain ongoing.

See post from Pule Jones here:

11 people killed in mass shooting in Durban

In a similar incident earlier on in the week, at least 11 people were killed and three others wounded after gunmen stormed a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban. eNCA journalist Dasen Thathiah reported the attack shortly after 4am on 23 September, stating that all 14 victims had been gathered at the property when armed men burst in and opened fire before 11pm. A pregnant woman was among those killed. Provincial units expected to take over KwaMakhutha SAPS and the eThekwini District Tracing Team were deployed to the scene following the shooting.

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Mass shooting suspect arrested in Durban

Previously, Briefly News reported that a man wanted in connection with a mass shooting that claimed nine lives in Durban in 2021 was arrested following a coordinated night operation in the Obuka area near Melmoth, bringing a five-year manhunt to a close. The arrest happened days after another massacre claimed the lives of 11 people in Durban. The suspect, who had successfully evaded capture for years, including during a prior police confrontation, was traced to his hiding place in Melmoth before officers closed in.

Source: Briefly News