A mass shooting at the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, Gauteng, has led to the arrest of 11 suspects, including a South African mine worker, following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 10 people on Sunday, 21 December.
The shooting, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, initially left nine dead and ten others seriously injured. Investigations quickly pointed to two individuals as possible suspects. According to Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Kekana, the arrest of these two led authorities to a house where nine more suspects were apprehended.
Among those arrested, one suspect was found with an AK-47 rifle, while the others were in possession of four pistols. Kekana revealed that the house where the suspects were captured was associated with the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine, with its security team assisting police during the operation. The house had been allocated to a mine employee, who is now facing charges for harbouring undocumented immigrants.
The mine worker, a South African national, could also face charges related to attempting to obstruct justice. Kekana pointed out that harbouring individuals with illegal firearms and links to criminal activities is itself a criminal offence.
The majority of the arrested suspects are foreign nationals: nine from Lesotho and one from Mozambique. They will be charged with illegal entry into South Africa, as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police have seized several firearms, including ammunition that matches those used in the Bekkersdal shooting, which will undergo forensic testing.
While authorities have not ruled out a link to illegal mining in the Bekkersdal area, no clear motive for the shooting has been confirmed. Police recovered a bottle containing a substance used for cleaning and testing gold, which could point to mining-related activities.
Deputy Commissioner Kekana dismissed claims that the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine could be held liable for the suspects’ presence, praising the company for its cooperation with law enforcement.
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