Merafong Responds to Fatal Tavern Shooting in Wedela Extension 3
The municipality says it is deeply saddened and shocked by the incident and has called on the Wedela community to remain calm while police investigate. The statement also asks residents not to share unverified information, images or videos about the shooting.
What the municipality says happened
Citing information released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the statement says the incident happened at approximately 21:30, when armed suspects allegedly opened fire on patrons outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot.
According to the statement, the 15 people who sustained gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities for treatment. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and investigations are ongoing.
The municipality's response
The municipality thanked SAPS, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, the Gauteng Provincial Government and other stakeholders who responded to the incident. It says it will continue to work with SAPS, emergency services, the provincial government and community structures to support the affected community.
"We recognise that such a traumatic incident can have a profound emotional impact on residents and the community as a whole," the statement reads.
What this means for you
The municipality asks residents not to circulate unverified information, images or videos relating to the incident, as this may cause further distress to affected families and could compromise the investigation.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is urged to report it to the South African Police Service through the appropriate channels.
- Merafong City Local Municipality: 018 788 9500
Source: Merafong City Local Municipality (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/merafongcitylocalmunicipality/posts/pfbid0sFngkyUj188tnok3W3WNBgn37six9nLEmKCwrAHyiV8HDLtjGN2p3WsTo91nfcRbl
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed suspects following a deadly shooting at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at approximately 21:30. According to authorities, the men arrived in two vehicles and opened fire on patrons inside and outside the venue using AK-47 rifles and pistols. The assailants allegedly robbed several victims of their cellphones and set two vehicles ablaze before fleeing the scene. Emergency Medical Services declared 17 people, 13 males and four females, dead at the scene, while 15 others were transported to local medical facilities with gunshot wounds. Law enforcement has opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder, and two counts of malicious damage to property; no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown as investigations continue.