Fear has gripped Wedela Ext 3 residents after eight heavily armed gunmen opened fire on patrons inside and outside a local tavern, leaving 18 people dead and 14 injured.

Carletonville and Fochville Herald reports that Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said patrons were drinking inside and outside Dorah’s Tavern last Saturday (September 26) at about 21:00 when eight attackers arrived armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The suspects opened fire on those outside before moving inside the venue to target more patrons.

During the attack, the gunmen allegedly searched several patrons and stole their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified motor vehicles. Two vehicles parked in an open yard opposite the tavern were also set alight.

Death toll rises to 18

A total of 17 people — 13 men and four women — died at the scene. Gauteng EMS transported 15 injured victims to medical facilities, where one later succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Eyewitnesses describe horror

A local street vendor, who hid behind a nearby house, recalled facing one of the attackers. “I could feel the gun against my head. I prayed until the man left me,” she said.

She saw the gunmen pull a man from underneath a parked car before setting the vehicle on fire. Although the man was spared, the attackers went inside to continue shooting.

Resident Sithembile David Nqulo said people now fear living in Wedela. Community activist Lunga Zithutha had planned to watch the Bafana Bafana match against Guinea at the tavern, but changed his mind. He later discovered two of his sister’s friends, Sinawe Zama and Novaleza Vilakazi, were among the deceased. Vilakazi, a Soweto resident, was visiting Wedela for the weekend.

Four women living near the venue told the Herald that while police presence brings daytime comfort, nightfall brings fear for their children’s safety.

Illegal mining violence suspected

While police state the motive remains unknown, residents believe the attack stems from rival illegal mining gangs, following violent clashes on August 19 and August 24 in Ext 3. Several community members and politicians have called for stronger government action against illegal immigrants. Zithutha urged residents to stop renting back rooms to zama zamas, while acknowledging it is often their only source of income.

Police and military deploy

By Monday morning (September 28), police and SANDF vehicles flooded the streets of Wedela Ext 3 as specialised detective teams mobilised to track the perpetrators. Police have opened 18 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious property damage.

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