UPDATE: Carletonville Tavern Shooting Kills 17 as Police Hunt Eight Gunmen

The Carletonville tavern shooting killed at least 17 people in Wedela, South Africa, on Saturday night, with police launching a manhunt for eight armed suspects.

The attack happened at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time on September 26, according to police quoted by The Citizen. Authorities said the dead included 13 males and four females.

Wedela is near Carletonville on Gauteng’s West Rand, southwest of Johannesburg.

Gunmen Opened Fire Outside and Inside the Tavern

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said patrons were gathered inside and outside the venue when the attackers arrived.

The suspects allegedly began shooting at people outside before entering the tavern and continuing the attack. Police said the group carried AK-47 rifles and handguns.

Detectives and specialised police units have been deployed to track down the suspects. A motive has not been established.

Injury Reports Range From 15 Seriously Hurt to More Than 20 Wounded

The Citizen, citing police, reported that 15 people were seriously injured.

SABC’s Morning Live separately reported more than 20 people injured in the crowded tavern. It was not immediately clear whether the figures reflected different reporting times or included injuries of differing severity.

The overall injury toll remains provisional as further information emerges.