27 killed in two separate shootings across South Africa

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 manhunts for the gunmen.

The first attack occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at a tavern in Wedela township, west of Johannesburg, where eight armed men reportedly opened fire on patrons, according to police and reports by Reuters and the Associated Press.

Police said the suspects, armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, initially shot at people drinking outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to fire.

Seventeen people — 13 men and four women — were killed, while 15 others suffered gunshot wounds. Emergency workers declared all 17 victims dead at the scene.

The attackers allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles, police said.

Two vehicles were also set alight.

South African police have launched a manhunt for the eight suspects, but no arrests had been reported by Sunday.

The motive for the attack remained unclear.

The tavern had reportedly been the scene of another shooting in recent months, according to Sowetan, which reported that the latest attack had heightened fears among residents in the area.

Hours later, another shooting occurred at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, a township near Cape Town.

Police said gunmen opened fire on patrons at about 1:46 a.m. on Sunday. Ten people were killed and 11 others wounded.

Five victims died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries while being taken to hospital, according to police reports cited by the AP.

No arrests had been made in the Lwandle attack, and police had not established a motive or confirmed whether the two shootings were connected.

The killings came only days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, near Durban, where 11 people were killed at a house party.

South African police said three gunmen were involved and that a possible feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.

The latest attacks have renewed concern over South Africa’s persistent gun violence and organised crime.

Police crime statistics released earlier this year identified firearms as a major driver of murder, robbery and organised crime, while police said they were seizing more than 100 illegal firearms each week through targeted operations.

Reuters reported that police were also examining possible links to illegal mining and business rivalries in the latest shootings, although those lines of inquiry had not been established as the motives.

The government has increased security deployments in violence hotspots.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organised criminal violence as a major threat to South Africa, while authorities have continued efforts to remove illegal firearms and strengthen policing operations.

The investigations into both shootings were continuing on Sunday, with police appealing for information that could help identify and apprehend those responsible.