KwaNoxolo Tavern Owner Arrested For Fraudulent Liquor License Amid Bekkersdal Mass Shooting

The owner of KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal on Gauteng’s West Rand has been arrested following a devastating mass shooting that has now claimed 10 lives.

The arrest comes as police intensify their investigation into the deadly attack, which unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, 21 December, leaving the community shaken.

Gunmen Stormed Tavern in Deadly Early-Morning Attack

Police believe that at least 12 suspects, travelling in two vehicles, stormed the tavern in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons before fleeing the scene.

Initially, nine people were confirmed dead, with 10 others seriously injured. Authorities later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 10.

Addressing victims’ families during a community engagement in Bekkersdal on Tuesday, Gauteng deputy provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Fred Kekana said police had made progress in identifying suspects.

Suspects Believed to Be Foreign Nationals

Kekana revealed that two suspects have been identified, with witness statements suggesting the attackers may be from Lesotho.

According to police, the suspects were heard speaking “pure Southern Sotho” and were allegedly dressed in blankets and balaclavas during the attack.

“These criminals cannot be left roaming,” Kekana said, urging residents to cooperate with investigators.

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“As the community, we are, in majority, law-abiding citizens, and we cannot be ruled, defeated, terrorised and be made uncomfortable within our space by the minority who are just pure criminals.”

Acting Gauteng Premier Jacob Mamabolo said the provincial government is providing support to the affected families during what he described as a “very difficult time”.

He expressed confidence that police would track down all those responsible for the “heinous and brutal” killings.

“They will make sure that they bring them to book and that they ensure that they leave no stone unturned to track down everybody who was involved in committing this criminal act of mass killing,” Mamabolo said.

He further assured residents that the motive behind the attack would be revealed once arrests are finalised and the suspects face trial.

“The truth will come out in the end.”

Mamabolo added that a support team would be deployed to assist the traumatised community.

KwaNoxolo Tavern Owner Arrested Over Fraudulent Liquor Licence

• Meanwhile, the KwaNoxolo tavern owner was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after authorities confirmed that the establishment was operating with a fraudulent liquor licence.

Police confiscated the tavern’s stock, and the owner was seen being escorted into a police van.

Kekana said the owner had insisted her operating documents were valid, prompting police to verify them with the Gauteng Liquor Board.

“The report came from the liquor board that the licence is fraudulent. As we speak now, we are going to arrest her now so she can face the music. She cannot use a fraudulent licence,” he said.

“The licence seemed genuine, hence it took a day for us to verify with the liquor board. They just sent us statements to confirm that it is a fraudulent licence.”

Investigations into the mass shooting continue, with police appealing to the public for any information that could lead to further arrests.

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