Eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with a mass shooting that claimed nine lives at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, on Sunday.
The attack occurred at around 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT Saturday), when 12 gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police launched a nationwide manhunt to apprehend the suspects.
Major General Fred Kekana, provincial deputy commissioner of police, on Thursday revealed that nine of the arrested suspects are nationals of Lesotho, one is from Mozambique, and another is believed to be a South African mineworker.
Investigators say the attack initially appeared “unprovoked,” but early findings suggest it may be linked to illegal mining turf wars.
During the shooting, the assailants continued firing as people fled, killing two patrons and a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby.
Several unlicensed firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, were recovered from the suspects’ possession following the arrests.
