17 killed, 15 injured in South African tavern shooting

JOHANNESBURG - Seventeen people were killed and 15 others injured in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela, a mining township in South Africa's Gauteng Province, police said on Sunday.

According to the South African Police Service, eight unidentified armed men arrived at the tavern in the West Rand District at around 9:30 pm local time (1930 GMT) on Saturday and opened fire on patrons outside the premises before entering and continuing to shoot at those inside.

The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Two other vehicles were set alight during the incident.

Police said 13 men and four women were killed in the shooting, all of whom were declared dead at the scene. Another 15 people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Gauteng police have mobilized detectives and specialized units to track down the suspects. The motive for the shooting remains unknown.