By International Desk
JOHANNESBURG: At least 27 people were killed and 26 others wounded in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within hours of each other, prompting police to launch investigations and a manhunt for those responsible.
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The first attack occurred at a bar in Wedela, west of Johannesburg, late on Saturday. Police said eight gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed the premises and opened fire on customers.
Seventeen people were killed in the attack, including 13 men and four women, while 15 others were wounded. According to police, the attackers first fired at people drinking outside the bar before entering the premises and continuing the shooting.
The suspects reportedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles. Police said two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
Authorities had not established a definitive motive for the shooting. However, a senior police official said investigators were examining a possible connection with an earlier incident at the same tavern.
Police have launched a specialised investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Second shooting near Cape Town
Hours later, another mass shooting occurred at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, a township outside Cape Town.
Ten people were killed and 11 others wounded when gunmen opened fire at the venue. Some victims died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries while being transported to hospital.
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show people socialising at the venue before gunfire erupted, causing people to flee for safety.
Police said investigations into the second shooting were also under way.
The two incidents have renewed concerns over South Africa’s persistent gun violence, particularly shootings linked to criminal groups, gang disputes and competition involving informal businesses.
Police intensify efforts against gun violence
South Africa has continued to rely on additional security measures in areas experiencing high levels of violent crime. In March, soldiers were deployed to violence hotspots in Johannesburg to support police operations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described violent crime as one of the country’s major security challenges.
The latest shootings came only days after another mass shooting in the country’s eastern port city of Durban, where 11 people were killed at a house party, according to reports.
South Africa has a large number of both legal and illegal firearms, while police regularly investigate shootings involving suspected organised criminal groups and gang rivalries.
The authorities are now facing pressure to identify those behind the latest attacks and determine whether the shootings were connected to wider criminal activity.
As investigations continue, police have appealed for information that could help identify the perpetrators. At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not publicly established a confirmed motive for either shooting.
The latest incidents have once again placed violent crime and firearms control at the centre of public attention in South Africa, while investigators work to establish the circumstances behind the attacks.
