Archive · 29 Sep 2026
South African Township Fears More Violence After Tavern Shooting
Eighteen people were killed in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela, South Africa.
Residents said they are afraid to leave their homes because more violence could happen.
They believe illegal miners called zama zamas may be involved.
Police said eight suspects are still being sought.
Police and soldiers briefly patrolled the township with heavy weapons.
Wedela is surrounded by old gold mines.
Gangs have moved into some abandoned mines to search for gold.
An organized-crime expert said the shooting showed that gangs use violence to control mining areas.
Residents also said two groups of illegal miners were fighting each other.
A weekend tavern shooting in Wedela, South Africa, killed 18 people.
Residents believe feuding illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, were behind the attack.
Police said eight suspects wanted in connection with the killings remain at large.
Police and army units patrolled Wedela, but their presence lasted less than an hour.
Experts and residents said heavily armed gangs are fighting for control of illegal gold-mining areas.
- Who
- Eighteen people were killed; residents believe feuding illegal miners were responsible, while police are seeking eight suspects.
- What
- A tavern shooting caused 18 deaths and heightened fears of further violence.
- When
- The shooting occurred over the weekend; residents were interviewed on Monday, Sept. 28.
- Where
- The attack happened in Wedela township, about 80 kilometers from Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Why
- Police and an organized-crime expert linked the violence to gangs competing for control of illegal gold-mining areas.
- Death toll
- 18 people were killed in the tavern shooting.
- Suspects
- Eight suspects remain at large, according to police.
- Location
- Wedela is about 80 kilometers from Johannesburg.
- Weapons
- AK-47 bullet casings were found on the street near the crime scene.
- Security response
- Police and army trucks patrolled the area in a show of force.
- Illegal mining
- Gangs have moved into abandoned gold mines around Wedela.
- Firearms recovered
- Police said 154 firearms recovered from criminals originated from the South African Police Service, while 205 came from private security companies.