SOUTH AFRICA – At least 9 people were killed in an overnight mass shooting at KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal township, western Johannesburg in South Africa, according to local police on Sunday Dec. 21.

Local reports indicate that a group of around 12 gunmen stormed the tavern at around 1:00 a.m local time (Sunday morning) and randomly opened fire on patrons inside the tavern and people gathered inside.

The gunmen are said to have been travelling in a white Kombi and silver sedan vehicle.

According to witnesses, 5 people were killed inside the tavern, 3 others outside while running for their lives, and a driver on the road while the gunmen were fleeing the scene.

“We are still busy obtaining statements. Our national crime and management team has arrived. The provincial crime scene management team has arrived and a team from the local criminal record centre is here, so is our serious crime investigating team, crime intelligence and the provincial crime detective team is on scene,” Gauteng Acting Police Commissioner Fred Kekana told the national broadcaster SABC through phone.

A manhunt for the perpetrators have been launched.