Wedela Tavern Owner Speaks After 18 Killed in Shooting, Says CCTV Can Help Police Identify Suspects

• The owner of Dora's Tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, has spoken out about the mass shooting on the evening of 26 September 2026
• At least 18 people were killed and 15 others injured after armed men stormed the premises and opened fire on patrons inside and outside
• The tavern owner spoke out about the incident at her establishment, revealing that CCTV cameras recorded the entire attack

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — The owner of Dora's Tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, has spoken out about the mass shooting at the establishment.

At least 18 people were killed and 15 others injured after eight gunmen stormed the tavern on the evening of 26 September 2026. The attackers arrived armed with AK-47 assault rifles and pistols and opened fire on patrons gathered both inside and outside the premises.

Read also

"Think for your safety": Joburg man shares concern after three mass shootings leave 28 dead

Five people, four men and one woman, were killed outside the establishment, while twelve others, nine men and three women, died inside. The last victim subsequently died in hospital, pushing the confirmed death toll to 18 at the time of publication.

Tavern owner hopes CCTV footage will help police

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika about the shooting, the owner expressed deep remorse for those who lost their lives in the shooting. She added that it was not the first time a shooting had taken place there either.

The owner also confirmed that the establishment had CCTV cameras, and that the footage captured the attackers in the act. She noted that the attackers attempted to shoot the cameras after they realised they were caught on camera. She added that she hoped police could use the footage to identify the perpetrators.

Cyril Ramaphosa vows to end mass shootings

Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the Wedela tavern shooting that left 18 people dead.

Gauteng police confirmed only four of the deceased have been identified so far, with five victims critically wounded.

Ramaphosa described the attack as evidence of an urgent national crisis, stating that technology was already being deployed to assist police.

Source: Briefly News