Police in North West are appealing for eyewitnesses in the horrific mass shooting in Kanana, near Klerksdorp, to come forward with information that could help to apprehend those responsible. This is after eight people were killed following a shooting at a tavern in the early hours of Saturday morning. According to police, the suspects arrived at the tavern allegedly looking for Basotho nationals before randomly firing shots.
The suspects reportedly also robbed patrons of their cell phones before taking off with the CCTV system, cash from the till, and a snooker table.
Seven people were killed instantly while the eighth person succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. One of the eyewitnesses whose identity has been withheld for his safety says the motive is still not known.
“I was sitting and drinking my beer when some people came in, kicked me, started shooting, and told me to lie down. When I asked what I had done, they said they were working. They were in a hurry to get whatever they wanted. By the grace of God, I survived. However, I’m deeply hurt because the people who were shot and killed are people I know personally.”
Some families of the deceased were inconsolable.
Bereaved family Sphamandla Mlonzi says, “They can come back anytime. We are also under threat, like any of them may be listening to us now. So, how will the government help us… government must change the police here. Private security responds faster than the police. The police here come after two hours.” The local councilor for the area has appealed for urgent help for the community following a series of shootings that have left several people injured.
Local ward councilor Anna Dube says, “The recent shootings have left our community in a state of shock, including having frightened the children. We are at a loss of what to do and feel that Kanana desperately needs assistance. As things stand, we are losing children, men, and women daily. We hope the government can help us somehow. we’ve lost so many people, and we are exhausted and weary.” Police are keeping a heavy presence in the area but are yet to arrest any suspects. -Additional reporting by Sentleeng Lehihi
