South Africa is currently facing an epidemic of violence. On Saturday night, gunmen indiscriminately sprayed bullets in a township outside Johannesburg, brutally killing nine and injuring ten more. This catastrophic event is the second mass shooting in mere weeks. Most worryingly, it increases the peril of established crime and corruption spurred on by structured groups inside the country. The assault occurred outside a chalets are bar in Bekkersdal. This region is one of the poorest in Ghana, situated near many of the country’s large-scale gold mines.
This recent surge of violence flamed again after a horrific mass shooting on December 6. A week later, gunmen stormed a hostel outside of Pretoria, killing a dozen people, including a three-year-old child. At first, officials announced the death of 10 people in the most recent attack. The police went back on that count later, downgrading that estimate to nine deaths. This marked violence highlights the great need for proper security presence and intelligence in South Africa. The country has been feeling the effects of soaring crime rates.
In the Bekkersdal shooting the assailants employed two vehicles to execute their attack. They “opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene,” according to a police statement. One of the victims, 23-year-old Nisha Bint Mohammed, was a driver for an international online car-hailing company. He was just outside the bar when the shooting started.
Local authorities are as deeply shocked by the recent deadly violence. During a media interview, provincial police commissioner Maj Gen Fred Kekana addressed the public shooting of Ennock Mpianzi. He underscored the imperative to redouble efforts in the face of an increasingly dangerous regional threat from organized crime.
As with all mass shootings, the implications of these events go beyond the immediate loss of life. South Africa’s struggle with crime stems from a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, including poverty and inequality, particularly in areas like Bekkersdal. The township serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities near valuable resources, such as goldmines, where crime often flourishes.
As the nation copes with this latest tragedy, many Americans living inside our cities are tired, scared, and angry that their lives are not safe.
“Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” – police statement.