Three men were shot and killed in a daylight attack inside a fast-food restaurant in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Attack inside restaurant during breakfast
The incident occurred at a restaurant located at the corner of Jeppe and Small (also referred to as Smal) streets.
According to available reports, the three victims were seated and having breakfast at the time of the attack.
Two armed suspects entered the establishment and opened fire on the men.
Victims declared dead at the scene
All three victims, believed to be between the ages of 30 and 45, sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
They were declared dead at the scene.
Nationalities not officially confirmed
Multiple reports have identified the victims as Ethiopian nationals.
However, authorities have not officially confirmed the nationalities of the deceased.
Police and emergency services respond
Officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), along with emergency services and other responders, attended the scene.
The area was secured while investigations commenced.
Manhunt launched for suspects
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a triple murder case.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved.
No arrests have been confirmed.
Motive remains unclear
The motive for the shooting has not been established.
Authorities have indicated that the incident may be linked to ongoing criminal activity in the area, but this has not been confirmed.
Officials respond to the incident
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni stated that investigations are ongoing.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Separate incident reported nearby
A separate fatal shooting was reported in the Johannesburg CBD on the same day at the corner of Jeppe and Von Wielligh streets.
Authorities have indicated that this is a separate incident from the restaurant shooting.
Conclusion
A shooting inside a Johannesburg CBD restaurant has left three men dead, with police continuing investigations and searching for the suspects involved.
OTHER NEWS
Two SAPS Members Among Eight Suspects Arrested After Business Robbery in Bedfordview, Gauteng
Bedfordview, Johannesburg – 27 April 2026 – Eight suspects, including two serving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) stationed at the Florida police station, were arrested following a business robbery in Bedfordview on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
The arrests took place during an intelligence-driven operation in the Honeydew area, specifically in Zandspruit. Police intercepted the suspects shortly after they allegedly stole stock from a storage facility or business premises in Bedfordview.
According to reports, the group used three vehicles in the commission of the crime: a VW Polo GTI, a VW Polo Vivo, and a Toyota Dyna truck (also described as a one-ton truck). All three vehicles were seized by police, and the stolen stock was recovered inside the truck. The goods were positively identified as belonging to the affected business in Bedfordview.
The suspects attempted to flee the scene after loading the stolen items. A coordinated multi-agency operation led to their apprehension. Units involved included the Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic Police, the SAPS Air Wing which provided aerial support, and private security personnel. The interception occurred in the Zandspruit area of Honeydew.
Of the eight arrested suspects, two are confirmed to be active SAPS members attached to the Florida police station. The remaining six are civilians. All eight face charges of business robbery and possession of stolen property. They are expected to appear in court soon.
Two additional suspects linked to the robbery managed to evade initial capture. Authorities have identified them and are actively tracing their whereabouts. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the group is connected to other crimes.
Gauteng SAPS management has strongly condemned the alleged involvement of serving police officers in the robbery. Officials stated that such conduct undermines public trust and damages the integrity of the police service, particularly amid ongoing efforts to combat organised crime in the province.
No injuries were reported during the robbery or the subsequent police operation. The swift recovery of the vehicles and stolen stock limited further losses for the affected business.
Business robberies remain a persistent challenge in parts of Johannesburg, with groups often using multiple vehicles to load and transport large quantities of goods quickly. This incident highlights the role of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between SAPS specialised units, traffic police, the Air Wing, and private security in responding effectively to such crimes.
Members of the public in Bedfordview, Honeydew, and surrounding areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Tip-offs can also be made via the SAPS Crime Stop number.
The investigation continues, with possible internal reviews expected at the Florida police station following the arrests of the two SAPS members. Updates on the court proceedings and any further developments, including additional arrests, will be provided as they become available.
