Three foreign nationals have been shot dead in a daylight attack in the central business district of Johannesburg, South Africa, after gunmen opened fire inside a McDonald’s restaurant.
Police said the victims, believed to be between 30 and 45 years old, were having breakfast when two masked attackers entered the outlet at the corner of Jeppe and Smal Streets on April 27, 2026, and began shooting. All three men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects fled immediately after the attack, prompting a large-scale manhunt. Officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department quickly secured the area.
In an initial update, officials said: “JMPD CCTV Reaction Unit is attending to a shooting incident at the corner of Jeppe and Smal Streets in the Johannesburg CBD. Three male victims were found injured inside McDonald’s. Emergency services have been activated and the area is being secured.” The victims were later confirmed dead.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the victims are believed to be foreign national shop owners, with unconfirmed reports suggesting they may be Somali nationals. Gauteng provincial commissioner Tommy Mthombeni condemned the killings, stating: “No stone will be left unturned during the investigation of the incident.”
The attack has heightened concerns about rising violent crime in the city centre. Local councillor Sthembiso Hlatshwayo described the situation as worsening.
“Even yesterday, someone was shot on this very same street, which means four people have been shot and killed in this street in a space of hours,” he said. “This raises serious concerns about safety. As a councillor I’ll have to look into this, working closely with the police.”
Police have appealed to the public for assistance as investigations continue. “We appeal to anyone with information to come forward or report anonymously via the SAPS crime line 08600 10111 or their nearest police station,” authorities said.No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear as investigations continue.