A mass shooting at a tavern in the coastal city of Durban has left eight people dead, prompting a major manhunt by South African police.
The attack happened late Friday night in Umlazi township, a densely populated area just outside the city.
Police say a group of armed men entered the bar and opened fire on customers without warning. When emergency responders arrived, they found the victims lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. All eight were declared dead at the scene. Two of the victims were women. Authorities confirmed that the ages of those killed ranged between 22 and 40.
No arrests have been made so far, and investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack. The number of attackers involved has not been confirmed, but police have launched a wide-scale search to track down those responsible.
South Africa has been plagued by violent crime for years, and incidents like this are sadly not rare. Mass shootings often take place in townships and rural areas, where access to illegal firearms is widespread and law enforcement resources are stretched thin.
Taverns, particularly in low-income communities, have become frequent targets for gunmen. Experts say a mix of gang rivalries, personal disputes, and access to unlicensed firearms fuels the violence. While many residents legally own guns for self-defense, the number of illegal weapons in circulation is much higher.
According to the latest crime statistics, over 6,900 murders were recorded in the last three months of 2024 alone—an average of 75 homicides a day.
Just last year, the country saw several high-profile killings. In April, professional soccer player Luke Fleurs was shot dead at a gas station. Last month, a U.S. missionary was kidnapped from his church during a sermon but was later rescued in a shootout.
In rural areas, entire families have been gunned down in cold blood. One of the most shocking cases occurred last September when seven relatives, including young children, were executed in their home.
The government has promised to crack down on gun violence, but many South Africans feel that action has been slow and ineffective. As the investigation in Umlazi continues, the community remains shaken and fearful, hoping that the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice.