By Charmaine Ndlela
Gauteng police have deployed a multidisciplinary investigative team after the death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern in Wedela, Carletonville, rose to 18, with five other victims in a critical condition.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni established the team to investigate the shooting at Dora’s Tavern on Hector Peterson Street in Extension 3 on Saturday night.
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The team, led by a senior brigadier responsible for crime investigation services in Gauteng, includes murder and robbery detectives, crime intelligence officers and crime scene investigators.
Police have opened 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property and a charge of armed robbery.
Only four of those killed have so far been identified — two South African nationals and two Lesotho nationals — while all the injured victims have been identified.
Five people remain in a critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to the upper body. The other injured victims are reported to be stable.
Police said eight armed men allegedly opened fire on patrons inside and outside the tavern at about 9.30pm before fleeing.
No arrests have been made.
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Operation Prosper, involving the South African National Defence Force and specialised SAPS units including the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing, has also been deployed to strengthen security operations in Wedela and surrounding areas.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation has been urged to contact police.
