Gauteng Police Seek Residents
Pretoria – Gauteng police are calling on communities to step up and share information to stop the wave of deadly gun attacks at taverns across the province. These violent incidents, often linked to unlicensed liquor spots, have left families shattered and neighbourhoods in fear, with recent shootings claiming dozens of lives in places like Saulsville and Bekkersdal. As investigations continue, officials stress that public tips could be the key to catching suspects and preventing more bloodshed.
Wave of Violence: Recent Tavern Shootings Shock Gauteng Communities
Gauteng has seen a troubling rise in mass shootings at taverns, turning places meant for relaxation into scenes of horror. In early December 2025, a tragic attack unfolded at an unlicensed tavern inside a hostel in Saulsville township, Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Around 4:15 a.m. on December 6, three unknown gunmen burst in and fired randomly at a group of people enjoying drinks. The assault killed 12 people, including a 3-year-old boy believed to be related to the tavern owner, and two other minors aged 12 and 16. Thirteen others were wounded and rushed to hospitals for treatment. Police arrived two hours later, after being alerted at 6 a.m., and launched a manhunt for the suspects, whose motive remains unclear. This incident alone highlights the sudden and brutal nature of these attacks, leaving survivors and families grappling with loss.
Just weeks later, on December 21, another mass shooting struck the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg. Around 1 a.m., about a dozen assailants arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan, some wearing balaclavas. They opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and several 9mm pistols, killing nine people and injuring ten others. Three victims died inside the tavern, while the gunmen continued shooting randomly as they fled into the streets. This was the second major tavern attack in Gauteng within three weeks, sparking widespread alarm. Police quickly responded, collecting cartridges and live ammunition from the scene to aid their probe.
Police Crackdowns: Operations Target Illegal Outlets and Firearms
In response to these tragedies, Gauteng police have ramped up efforts to curb the violence. Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Gauteng Police Commissioner, has led operations focusing on unlicensed liquor outlets, which are often hotspots for such crimes. For example, on January 23, 2026, under Section 137 of the Police Act, officers conducted a cordon and search in the Saulsville hostel. They recovered two firearms – a revolver and a pistol – along with quantities of liquor. These raids aim to disrupt illegal activities and remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
Broader crackdowns between April and September 2025 saw police shut down 12,000 illegal taverns and arrest 18,000 people involved in related offences. In Bekkersdal, following the December 21 shooting, authorities arrested 11 suspects, many believed to be linked to illegal mining. Seized items included four handguns and an AK-47 rifle, with ballistic tests showing matches to ammunition at the crime scene. These actions show police are using intelligence-driven deployments to target high-risk areas, but officials admit they need more community input to make lasting progress.
Community Frustrations: Calls for Better Policing and Resources
Residents in affected areas like Saulsville and Bekkersdal are voicing deep concerns about safety and police effectiveness. During a community engagement event in Saulsville, people accused officers of taking bribes, lacking enough resources, and not having strong strategies to tackle the root causes. One resident highlighted ongoing deaths in nearby spots like Randfontein and Mshongoville, questioning why a single police station must serve such a large community. Some even walked out of the meeting in anger, showing the growing distrust.
These frustrations stem from a sense of vulnerability, with families living in constant fear. Parents worry about children caught in crossfire, as seen in the Saulsville attack where minors were among the victims. Communities point to issues like overstretched services and slow responses, urging for more visible patrols and better equipment. Despite this, police leaders like Mthombeni are pushing for renewed trust, emphasising that resident safety is their top priority and calling for patience as investigations unfold.
Possible Motives: Links to Extortion, Mining Wars, and Rivalries
While motives for many shootings remain unknown, patterns suggest deeper problems fuelling the violence. Some attacks are tied to extortion rackets, where criminals demand protection money from tavern owners. Others may stem from turf wars among illegal miners, known as zama-zamas, who compete for control in gold-rich areas like Bekkersdal. Rivalries between tavern operators could also play a role, with competition turning deadly in unlicensed spots.
In broader terms, these incidents reflect South Africa’s high crime rates. Between April and September 2025, an average of 63 people were murdered every day nationwide, according to official data. In Gauteng alone, over 40 people have been killed and more than 30 injured in tavern shootings since January 2025. Understanding these links helps explain why simple gatherings can turn tragic, often in impoverished townships where illegal outlets thrive due to limited legal options.
Appeals for Help: How Residents Can Make a Difference
Gauteng police are making strong pleas for public involvement to break the cycle of violence. Commissioner Mthombeni has urged communities not to lose hope and to work hand-in-hand with officers. He proposed setting up a local commission, similar to ones in other areas, to address grassroots issues and provide recommendations to higher authorities. This could involve residents sharing tips on suspicious activities, identifying suspects, or reporting illegal firearms.
In Bekkersdal, after the arrests, police appealed for more assistance in connecting dots to the shooting. For the Saulsville case, they continue hunting for the three gunmen, relying on eyewitness accounts. Simple actions like anonymous tip-offs through crime hotlines can lead to breakthroughs, as seen in past cases where community input helped solve crimes. By coming forward, residents can help restore peace and prevent future attacks.
Broader Implications: Tackling Root Causes for Safer Communities
These tavern shootings point to bigger challenges in Gauteng, including gun control, youth involvement in crime, and the need for better reconciliation in post-apartheid society. Calls have grown for stricter gun laws, more counselling for young people on drugs and violence, and urgent reviews of security around public spots. Some suggest declaring a state of emergency on gun violence, especially after similar incidents in other provinces.
Government and police are exploring public-private partnerships to boost resources, like adding more stations or technology for faster responses. For families affected, healing involves not just justice but community support. As Gauteng moves forward, the focus is on turning appeals into action, ensuring taverns become safe spaces once more. With collective effort, residents and authorities can halt this deadly trend and build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.
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