At Least 9 Dead, 10 Others Injured After Late-Night Mass Shooting at a Bar, Police Searching for Multiple Suspects By Escher Walcott

At least nine people have been killed and 10 others injured following a mass shooting in South Africa.

Shortly before 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 21, gunmen in two vehicles began to “shoot randomly” towards patrons at a licensed bar in Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement posted on Facebook.

SAPS spokesperson Brig Athlenda said the exact location was KwaNoxolo Tavern in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal, per The South African Times. An estimated “12 unknown suspects” were involved in the incident and fled the scene in a white Kombi and a silver sedan.

Nine people are dead following the shooting, the SAPS confirmed. The victims included five people at the tavern, three people on the street outside and another pedestrian, South African outlet News24 reported.

At least 10 others were rushed to the hospital after being injured in the incident.

“The police have mobilized all the necessary resources, including Forensic Crime Scene Management and Crime Intelligence,” the SAPS said on Facebook. “The motive for the shooting will be determined by investigation.”

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Amid the ongoing search for the shooters, deputy provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana described the incident as “unprovoked,” adding that those involved were armed with pistols and one AK-47, per the BBC.

“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” he said. Among the victims was also a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger in the area.

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The incident comes after three gunmen “randomly” shot at people at a hostel bar in South Africa on Dec. 6.

Ten people died at the scene, and two others died in the hospital. Among the victims were minors: a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, The Times, the BBC and News 24 reported, citing the SAPS.

The SAPS are urging anyone with information on the Dec. 21 shooting to contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send tip-offs on MySAPS App.

PEOPLE has contacted the SAPS for further comment amid their investigation.