Johannesburg, Dec 21: At least 10 people were killed and 10 others sustained injuries when an unidentified gunmen opened fire in a township outside Johannesburg, authorities confirmed.

According to police officials, the attackers stormed the area and indiscriminately fired at residents, leaving a trail of devastation. The shooting took place near a tavern or informal bar in Bekkersdal, an impoverished area near some of South Africa's major gold mines.

Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where several victims remain in critical condition.

Law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Police have cordoned off the area and intensified patrols to prevent further violence.

The attack has reignited concerns about public safety and the proliferation of illegal firearms in South Africa.

Authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the perpetrators. The probe is being handled by specialized units, with officials vowing to bring those responsible to justice.


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The incident marks one of the deadliest shootings in recent months, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling violent crime across the country.

In a similar incident on December 6, gunmen stormed a hostel near the capital Pretoria, killing a dozen people including a three-year-old child.