At least 27 people have been killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, sparking an urgent search for the attackers.
The first shooting took place around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. Armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, the assailants reportedly fired on patrons gathered outside before entering the tavern and continuing to shoot. According to police, 17 people were killed and 15 wounded. Emergency responders pronounced 13 men and four women dead at the scene, while the injured were rushed to hospital.
Police said the suspects allegedly searched some victims and stole their mobile phones before fleeing in two vehicles. Authorities are searching for eight suspected gunmen, but no arrests have been made. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
A few hours later, a second shooting occurred at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, Cape Town, South Africa’s second-largest city. This attack, which happened at around 11:45 p.m., left 10 dead and 11 injured. Five victims died at the scene, while five more succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The two attacks, which claimed 27 lives within hours, underline the ongoing threat of violent crime in parts of South Africa. Images from the scenes showed forensic teams, police officers, and distraught residents as investigators collected evidence. Authorities have not determined whether the two incidents were connected, and investigations are ongoing.
South Africa continues to struggle with high rates of violent crime, with mass shootings periodically reported in major cities and surrounding areas.
