Dec 21, Kathmandu - A shooting at a bar near Johannesburg has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, according to police sources cited by BBC.

The incident occurred in Bekerstad, close to Johannesburg, where assailants opened fire on patrons in two vehicles. Seven men and two women lost their lives in the attack. Reports indicate that the gunmen also randomly shot at people on the street, leading to multiple casualties.

South Africa is known to have one of the highest murder rates in the world. Police statistics reveal that from April to September this year, an average of 63 people were murdered daily in the country.

The country possesses nearly 3 million legally registered firearms, but with a population of approximately 60 million, illegal firearms are believed to be at least twice that number.

Earlier this month, at least 11 people, including a child, were shot and killed at a hostel near Pretoria.

Authorities have launched a search for suspects involved in the recent attack.