- 17 people were killed, and 15 others were injured after gunmen stormed Dora’s Tavern in Wedela.
- Bishop Mosa Sono has called on communities to help police, saying criminals cannot rule South Africa.
- Grace Bible Church will provide pastoral support, counselling and prayer to grieving families and survivors.
The Presiding Bishop of Grace Bible Church, His Grace Bishop Mosa Sono, has urged communities across South Africa to come together in support of Wedela after 17 people lost their lives in a tragic mass shooting at Dora’s Tavern in Extension 3, near Carletonville.
Speaking on behalf of the church, Bishop Sono offered his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a full and quick recovery. He said the church would stand by the community with prayer, pastoral care, and practical support as families begin to mourn one of Gauteng’s deadliest tavern tragedies.
The shooting happened just after 9.30pm on Saturday, 26 September 2026, as patrons gathered inside and outside Dora’s Tavern. Heavily gunmen then launched a coordinated attack.
Dora’s Tavern became a scene of devastation
According to Gauteng police, eight unidentified armed men arrived at the tavern and immediately opened fire on people gathered outside. The suspects then went inside and kept shooting at patrons before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.
The attackers were said to be armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They reportedly searched some patrons, stole an unknown number of cellphones, and set two vehicles on fire before escaping.
Emergency Medical Services found 17 people dead at the scene, including 13 men and four women. Another 15 people were taken to hospitals in Carletonville and Leratong with gunshot wounds.
Police have opened 17 cases of murder, 15 cases of attempted murder, and two cases of malicious property damage. The motive for the shooting is still being investigated.
Bishop Sono says justice must prevail
Bishop Sono described the massacre as an act of senseless violence that shattered families and took innocent lives. “This is a tragic incident where souls have been lost unnecessarily through sheer criminality. Our hearts are with the families of the deceased and those who were injured.
“We trust that the law enforcement agencies will succeed in arresting the perpetrator so that justice can be served,” said Bishop Sono. He said Grace Bible Church’s response would go beyond words of sympathy.
“We will be sending a delegation to the community to offer pastoral support and prayer,” he said. The bishop added that the church wants grieving families to know they will not face their pain alone as ministers travel to Wedela to provide spiritual and emotional support.
Communities hold the key to finding the killers
Bishop Sono directly appealed to residents of Wedela and nearby areas to work with investigators, saying someone may have seen the attack or have information that can help identify those responsible.
“We encourage the community to unite in helping the police trace the perpetrators because someone must have seen or has information about them. Our country cannot be ruled by criminals who act with impunity and in such a brazen way,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that investigators are making progress in the case. “We are truly encouraged by statements from law enforcement agencies that a breakthrough is imminent,” said Bishop Sono.
East Rand killings remain in the church’s prayers
While addressing the Wedela tragedy, Bishop Sono also raised concern about the recent discovery of women’s bodies across the East Rand, saying violent crime continues to leave communities in fear.
“We are still concerned about the women’s bodies being discovered in the East Rand. It is encouraging that three suspects, two women and a man, have been arrested for two of the cases. The police are in our prayers as they work to solve the other outstanding cases. We are praying for an end to these senseless killings,” he concluded.
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