Johannesburg: At least 27 people were killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within hours of each other, prompting police to launch investigations and manhunts for the attackers.
The shootings took place in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, and Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday. Police had made no arrests at the time of reporting, while the motives behind the attacks remained under investigation.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over gun violence, organised crime and illegal firearms in South Africa, which has one of the world’s high murder rates.
17 killed in Wedela tavern shooting
The first shooting took place at a tavern in Extension 3 of Wedela township, about 80 km southwest of Johannesburg, at around 9.30 pm on Saturday.
According to Gauteng police, eight unidentified armed men arrived while patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern and opened fire. The attackers reportedly then entered the establishment and continued shooting at people inside.
Police said the suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.
Emergency medical services declared 17 people dead at the scene. The victims included 13 men and four women. Another 15 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Two vehicles were also set on fire during the incident.
Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property. A team of detectives and specialised units has been deployed to trace the suspects.
Motive for first shooting remains unclear
The motive for the Wedela attack had not been established, police said.
Reuters reported that investigators were examining possible links to illegal mining and business rivalry. Local reports also pointed to concerns surrounding illegal mining activity, commonly associated with so-called zama zamas, in parts of the gold-mining region. These possible links remain part of the investigation and have not been established as the definitive motive.
The tavern where the shooting occurred had a sign stating “No weapons allowed” beneath its trading hours.
Police and forensic teams were at the scene on Sunday as investigations continued.
10 killed near Cape Town
A second shooting occurred several hours later in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town.
Gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat at around 2 am on Sunday, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others, according to police.
The attack took place in the Western Cape, with police establishing a crime scene while detectives worked to determine what led to the shooting.
People gathered behind police lines at the site but were reluctant to speak to journalists, citing concerns about their safety.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the shootings as authorities continued efforts to identify and locate those responsible.
Gun violence remains a major concern
The two attacks have again brought South Africa’s illegal firearms problem into focus.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee told Reuters that illegal firearms are frequently used by organised criminal groups, gangs and other violent offenders. He said investigations into mass shootings should also examine wider networks behind the violence.
The attacks come only days after another mass shooting near Durban. Eleven people were killed at a house party in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on Tuesday night, according to reports.
South Africa has also faced renewed concern over violence against women after several women’s bodies were found in the Johannesburg area in recent months. Police have been investigating the deaths separately.
Police intensify search for attackers
Authorities are continuing to investigate both shootings and establish whether there are any connections between them.
In the Wedela case, police have identified eight unidentified suspects as the focus of the manhunt. Investigators are examining available evidence and pursuing leads to establish their identities and whereabouts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organised crime as a major challenge for South Africa and authorised the deployment of the military to support police operations in some areas.
The latest shootings have also added to the country’s ongoing debate over crime and public safety ahead of municipal elections scheduled for November.
Authorities face renewed pressure over firearms
The concentration of multiple mass shootings within a short period has intensified attention on illegal firearms and organised criminal activity.
For residents in affected communities, however, the immediate concern remains safety and accountability. Police investigations will need to establish the identities of the attackers, their motives and whether the shootings were connected to wider criminal networks.
As of Sunday, no arrests had been announced in connection with the two incidents. Investigations remain ongoing.