Soweto tavern shooting

The scene of the Soweto tavern shooting on 10/07/2022 – Photo: Twitter / SABC

Tavern shootings: Terrorism fears raised, as Bheki Cele branded ‘moronic’

Were last night’s tavern shootings related to terrorism? One very vocal section of South African society has gone public with its concerns.

Soweto tavern shooting

The scene of the Soweto tavern shooting on 10/07/2022 – Photo: Twitter / SABC

The deaths of 18 people in two separate tavern shootings overnight have elicited a strong response from a number of political representatives, with the EFF going so far as to label the incidents as ‘acts of terrorism’. Legal journalist Karyn Maughan also raised similar concerns.

Tavern shootings in South Africa: Latest news and updates for Sunday 10 July

At least 14 people have been reportedly shot and killed at a tavern in Soweto, Gauteng while four remain in a critical condition in hospital.

Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela told eNCA that primary investigations suggest that people were enjoying themselves in the tavern and suspects came in and just shot at the people randomly.

Mawela said detectives are on scene and they estimate that the age range of the people who were shot and killed is between 19 and 35.

Meanwhile, a second shocking incident played out in Pietermaritzburg: Four people have been shot dead while eight others were wounded in ANOTHER tavern shooting. The incident reportedly happened on Saturday night at 20:30 while a group of people were having drinks. 

According to police, a vehicle arrived and parked outside the tavern. Two males jumped out of the vehicle and fired random shots at the patrons when they entered the tavern. It’s not yet known if the two shootings are linked.

Fears that the incident could be terrorism-related

In a furious statement issued earlier on Sunday, the EFF let rip and lambasted Police Minister Bheki Cele for ‘overseeing the collapse of law and order’ in South Africa. They are adamant that ‘terrorism’ was a motivating factor in these seemingly senseless murders.

Cele has been warned against ‘visiting the crime scene for a PR stunt’, with the ANC veteran also being accused of shedding crocodile tears during the recent Enyobeni tragedy. The Red Berets have made their feelings crystal clear on these matters.