Bekkersdal mass shooting case postponed to Tuesday

Forensic officials hold a meeting outside a tavern, the scene of an early morning shooting in Bekkersdal township, south-west of Johannesburg, South Africa, December 21, 2025. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

The case against five of the 11 people who were arrested in connection with the mass shooting at KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal on the Gauteng’s West Rand has been rolled over to Tuesday for legal aid application.

The five people appeared before the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Ten people died during the shooting. The suspects face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, live ammunition and undocumented immigrants. One of the five suspects has a previous conviction of attempted murder.

All five suspects confirmed that they are undocumented foreign nationals from Lesotho.

KwaNoxolo tavern owner, Nanesi Matwa, who faces charges of operating without a liquor license has been remanded to 31 December 2025 for profiling.

VIDEO| KwaNoxolo tavern owner, Nanesi Matwa’s arrest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saRmPA-sHKY

The gruesome mass shooting left the community devastated and still living in fear. Residents in Bekkersdal have expressed dissatisfaction after being chased out of the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court. Concerns were raised that their presence might jeopardise the matter.

Bekkersdal residents lament the proliferation of guns in the area due to illegal mining and have called on government to combat the scourge of gun-related crimes.