- A mass shooting occurred at a tavern in Kanana Township, North West, on Friday, 26 July 2024.
- Eight people were killed, and twelve others were seriously injured.
- The suspects are still at large and considered highly dangerous.
- The motive behind the incident remains unknown.
A mass shooting at a tavern in Kanana Township, North West, left eight people dead and 12 others injured on Friday night.
Tavern mass shooting in North West: Here’s what we know
According to a statement from North West police, five men entered the tavern and refused to be searched at the entrance.
A scuffle ensued, and upon gaining entry, the lights were switched off, and the suspects began firing randomly as patrons scrambled to escape.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of seven people at the scene, including five men and two women.
An additional man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, bringing the total death toll to eight.
Among the deceased, four were South Africans, and the others were from Mozambique and Lesotho. Twelve other individuals sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and shock.
He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We are saddened and extremely shocked by this incident which left eight people dead. I want to urge the police to do everything in their power to investigate this matter to its logical conclusion and bring to book all responsible for this dastardly acts,” Premier Mokgosi stated.
MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, visited the crime scene and met with some of the bereaved families on Saturday.
Accompanied by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and Matlosana Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlophe, Morweng assured the community that a team of senior investigators and detectives has been assembled to probe the mass killing.
“The police under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner have already assembled a team of senior investigators and detectives to go into the thrust of this mass killing. I have no doubt that arrests will be made soon. We further urge our communities to assist with information so that we can nip incidents such as this one in the bud and keep our communities safe,” said MEC Morweng.
The suspects are still at large and considered highly dangerous. The motive behind the attack is still unknown.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice.