BREAKING: 17 killed in Wedela tavern shooting as Gauteng police launch manhunt

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Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men after 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded in a shooting at Dora’s Tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, on the West Rand, on Saturday night.

The shooting happened at about 21:30 while patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern at 4713 Hector Peterson Street.

According to police, a group of about eight unidentified men arrived and opened fire on patrons outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot those inside.

The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. Some were wearing balaclavas, while others were not covering their faces.

Outside the tavern, four men and one woman were shot and killed, while nine men and three women were killed inside the tavern.

Gauteng EMS declared all 17 victims dead at the scene.

A further 15 victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Carletonville and Leratong hospitals for medical treatment.

The suspects allegedly searched some of the patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles.

The suspects later allegedly set two vehicles alight.

Police said an undisclosed number of rifle cartridges were found both inside and outside the tavern.

The scene has CCTV cameras, which could assist investigators in identifying and tracing the suspects.

Some of the deceased were reportedly Lesotho nationals, with some victims found in possession of passports.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Gauteng police have mobilised detectives and other specialised units to trace and apprehend the suspects. No arrests have been made at this stage.

Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.

Anyone with information that