According to police, the victims include seven men and two women. The attack occurred on the night of Saturday, December 20, into the early hours of Sunday, December 21, when a group of about twelve unidentified gunmen arrived at the bar in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons inside.

Security officials report that after shooting inside the bar, the attackers continued firing randomly in nearby areas, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana told local media that the suspects were armed with several handguns and at least one AK-47 rifle. Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack was not linked to any disturbance or fight at the bar.

South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime. Police statistics show that between April and September, an average of 63 people were killed every day, largely due to armed robberies, personal disputes, gang-related activities, and organized criminal violence.

The South African Gun Owners’ Association estimates that about three million firearms are legally owned in the country, with a similar number believed to be in illegal circulation.

The incident comes just weeks after another mass shooting in Pretoria, where eleven people, including a child, were killed at a residential property.

Police have launched a full investigation into the attack as efforts continue to identify and arrest those responsible.