NUM Carletonville region condemns horrific Wedela tavern mass shooting and demands SWIFT justice for 18 victims

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Carletonville Region expresses its deepest shock, anger, and absolute condemnation following the horrific mass shooting at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, near Carletonville, on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

According to updated information released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the death toll has tragically risen to 18 people, while 15 others sustained severe gunshot wounds and remain in medical care. Police have since launched a dedicated multidisciplinary investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The NUM Carletonville Region strongly condemns this senseless and barbaric act of violence. The taking of innocent lives through gun violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society.

Our deepest sympathies and total solidarity go out to the grieving families, the injured victims, and the broader Wedela community. The tragic loss of 18 lives has left families without parents, children without care, and entire community plunged into mourning.

Call for Immediate Law Enforcement Action

The NUM calls upon the SAPS and all relevant law enforcement agencies to deploy every available resource to identify, arrest, and prosecute every single individual responsible for this atrocious act. Those found guilty must face the full might of the law.

We urgently appeal to members of the community who may have any information regarding the incident to step forward and assist the police. Information can be shared confidentially via the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or through the My SAPS App.

End the Culture of Violence

As a trade union representing mineworkers and working-class families across the West Rand mining belt, the NUM cannot stand by silently while violence destroys the lives and livelihoods of our people.

We call for urgent, aggressive interventions to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms, eradicate organized criminal networks, and tackle the growing culture of violence in our neighbourhoods. Our communities must be safe spaces where workers, families, and young people can socialize and live without fear.

The NUM further urges government, law enforcement, local and traditional leadership, civil society, and community structures to form a united front to address the root conditions that allow violent crime to take root. Human life must be respected and protected violence can never be normalized.

Solidarity and Support

In the same breath, the NUM welcomes the recent joint operation by the police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) today, which resulted in the arrest of 122 illegal miners on Gauteng’s West Rand. Law enforcement must sustain this momentum to restore order to the region.

To the families of the 18 people who lost their lives, we extend our deepest condolences, and we wish the 15 injured victims a full and speedy recovery. You are not alone in your grief; the NUM stands firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this dark period.

• We mourn the dead.
• We stand with the injured.
• We support the affected families.
• We condemn violence and criminality.
• We demand swift justice.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH — OUR COMMUNITIES DESERVE PEACE, SAFETY, AND DIGNITY.

For media interviews and further information, please contact:

Simon Qhagi, NUM Carletonville Regional Secretary, Cell: 076 981 8258

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340