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Forensic officials work at the scene of an early morning shooting in Bekkersdal, south-west of Johannesburg
Criminology expert Professor Nirmala Gopal says illegal and poorly regulated taverns are increasingly becoming hotspots for deadly violence in South Africa.
This follows the mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal on the West Rand in the early hours of Sunday.
Nine people were killed and ten others wounded when gunmen opened fire at the KwaNoxolo tavern in the area.
Gopal has urged police and government departments to shut down illegal taverns, warning that unregulated alcohol outlets expose communities to repeated violence.
“Of course relevant government departments take into consideration how these illegal taverns are impacting the community at large, especially in a time with such high crime rates and high unemployment rates. I don’t believe that these taverns, especially, well, both legal and illegal, I don’t think that they serve any good purpose, really.”
Criminology expert Prof Nirmala Gopal weighs in on the deadly attacks:
‘They died for nothing’
An eyewitness described a “chaotic” scene after gunmen killed nine people. “It was a chaotic scene and heartbreaking what happened there. People dead, they died for nothing,” Nokuthula Bhukwana told Reuters.
Bhukwana said she woke to gunfire just after midnight and saw bodies on the floor of the licensed tavern. She said residents used wheelbarrows to take some of the wounded to a nearby clinic while waiting for ambulances.
“When we arrived at the scene, we opened the doors and indeed scores of people were lying on the floor. we rushed around and others were calling the police, and we also called the ambulance and they arrived. we had to carry some of the injured people using wheelbarrows to the clinic.”
Police said about 12 suspects arrived in a white minibus and a silver sedan and opened fire on patrons before fleeing. The motive remains under investigation.
Community member, Vuyisile Mbeu said, “We are pleading with the police to work with our local councillors. Because these councilors are not here, they’re just watching and when we speak out, they target us. there’s too much corruption among people in this community.”
Bekkersdal Shooting | AK-47 cartridges found at Bekkersdal shooting scene:
Lack of informants
Meanwhile, the police are facing challenges in their investigation into the deadly shooting in Bekkersdal, as no members of the local community have come forward with information.
Specialist investigator in violent crimes, Mike Bolhuis, has raised concerns about the lack of informants following the incident in which nine people were shot and killed earlier today.
He believes the community is likely aware of who was responsible but may be too afraid to speak out due to fear for their safety.
Bolhuis indicates that the attack could be linked to vigilantism or a turf-related dispute, although the exact motive remains unclear. He adds that incidents of this nature tend to affect poorer communities the most and place significant pressure on law enforcement.
-Additional reporting by Reuters
