**Death Toll in South Africa Bar Shooting Rises to 18**
*By Gavin Blackburn | Published on 28/09/2026 - 9:04 GMT+2*
The death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern in South Africa has risen to 18, following the death of one victim in a hospital. Police confirmed that among the deceased, at least two were nationals from Lesotho. This tragic incident occurred late on Saturday in the township of Wedela, located approximately 80 kilometers west of Johannesburg.
The attack involved eight gunmen armed with assault rifles who stormed the bar, resulting in the deaths of 13 men and four women. As investigations continue, authorities have reported that only four of the deceased have been positively identified so far, which includes two South African citizens and two individuals from Lesotho.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but the area is known for its ongoing gang rivalries, particularly among groups involved in illegal gold mining. South Africa has a significant number of unregistered miners operating in abandoned mining sites, many of whom come from neighboring countries, including Lesotho. This illicit sector is often linked to organized crime, violence, and various illegal activities.
The mass shooting in Wedela is part of a troubling trend in South Africa, which has seen a rise in gun violence. Just a day after the Wedela incident, another mass shooting occurred in Cape Town, where ten people were killed and eleven others injured at an entertainment venue. These incidents highlight the pervasive issue of gun violence in the country, which has one of the highest murder rates globally, averaging around 60 homicides per day.
South Africa's struggles with violence are exacerbated by the prevalence of both legal and illegal firearms, with shootings frequently attributed to gang conflicts, extortion, and competition among informal businesses. The government continues to face challenges in addressing these issues, as the social and economic factors contributing to crime remain deeply rooted in society.
As the investigation into the Wedela shooting unfolds, police are working to piece together the events leading up to the attack and to identify the perpetrators. The community is left in shock, grappling with the aftermath of this violence as they seek answers and justice for the victims.
The rising death toll and the frequency of such violent incidents underscore the urgent need for effective measures to combat gun violence and gang-related activities in South Africa.