The number of deaths in the local tavern shootings in Carletonville has risen from 17 to 18. The Gauteng Police Department officially confirmed the death toll yesterday on Monday, September 28, 2026. The incident took place on Saturday, September 26 night 9:30 PM in Extension 3, Wedela, West Rand District, Gauteng.
According to preliminary reports, a group of eight armed men entered the premises and opened fire on patrons inside and outside the tavern. Initially before the latest updates on the death toll, the confirmed number of deaths were 17 in which 13 were male and 4 were females. Another 15 patrons sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment in which one individual lost his life on Monday, September 28 in the hospital.
Moreover, Gauteng police shared the identification of four patrons in which two were South African nationals and two were nationals from Lesotho. The motive behind the shooting has not been yet confirmed and no arrest of the suspect has been made and investigations are ongoing. The department also assigned specialised units of detectives and other units for investigation of the shooting.
Additionally, on Sunday September 17, 2026 Premier Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng visited Carletonville, a day after the deadly shooting at the local tavern. During his statement exchange with the media, he extended condolences to the affected families who lost their dear ones in the shooting.
He said, “I want to extend our sincere condolences to the families, especially those that are affected, and wish those that have been hospitalized a speedy recovery, and assure the community here we’ve heard their pleas”.
He further expressed his disappointment in the community’s loss of belief in the police department but he explained that that the department is doing their work and on their way to capture culprits. The Gauteng Premier urged the community to believe in the police department and not to interfere with their work and help them in providing any updates regarding the shooting.