Ten people were killed and another 10 injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire in a township outside Johannesburg, police said on Sunday, marking the second mass shooting reported in South Africa this month.
The attack occurred in Bekkersdal, about 40 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. Police said the motive for the shooting has not yet been established.
According to a police statement, some of the victims were shot at random while in the streets. Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the death toll but said authorities did not yet have details on the identities of those killed.
The shooting reportedly took place near a tavern or informal drinking establishment in Bekkersdal, a low-income community located close to several major gold mines. Those who were wounded were taken to hospital for treatment.
Earlier this month, on December 6, gunmen attacked a hostel near the capital, Pretoria, killing 12 people, including a three-year-old child. Police said that incident also occurred at a location where alcohol was being sold illegally.
South Africa, with a population of about 63 million, continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime and has one of the highest murder rates globally.
