27 Killed in Two Mass Shootings in South Africa Within Hours

At least 27 people have been killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within hours of each other, as police continue a search for those responsible.

The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, where 17 people were killed and 15 others injured.

Police said eight gunmen, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, opened fire on customers outside the tavern before continuing the attack inside. Two vehicles were also set on fire before the suspects fled.

Thirteen men and four women were among those killed, according to police.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said people from Ethiopia and Lesotho were among those caught up in the attack, although most of the victims were South African.

Police have not established a definitive motive. Mthombeni said robbery was one line of investigation after personal belongings were reportedly taken, while authorities were also examining a possible connection to conflicts involving illegal mining groups.

Deputy provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana also said investigators were considering whether the shooting could have been a retaliation for an earlier incident in which one person was killed and another wounded.

Police said they had photographs and, in some cases, names of people they were seeking in connection with the attack.

Hours later, another shooting occurred in Lwandle, near Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday.

Ten people were killed and 11 others injured after gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died in hospital.

No arrests had been announced in either shooting at the time of reporting, while police continued investigations into both attacks.

The two attacks came only days after another mass shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed when gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township.

South Africa has long struggled with high levels of violent crime and gun violence. Recent mass shootings have also raised concerns about violence linked to organised crime, gangs, drug trafficking and illegal mining.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa and has backed increased security operations in areas experiencing high levels of violent crime.

The latest shootings have renewed concerns about the country’s struggle to contain firearm-related violence, with investigations into the latest attacks still ongoing.