At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, with the latest attacks occurring near Johannesburg and Cape Town within hours of each other.
The incidents have renewed concerns about gun violence in the country, coming only days after another deadly shooting near Durban claimed 11 lives, including a pregnant woman.
South African police said the latest attacks happened in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, and Lwandle, near Cape Town.
17 killed in Wedela tavern shooting
The first incident occurred on Saturday night in Wedela township, where gunmen reportedly opened fire inside a bar.
Police said 17 people were killed, while at least 15 others sustained gunshot injuries.
Authorities said the attackers fled the scene after the shooting, prompting police to launch a search for those responsible.
According to police reports, the suspects were armed with rifles and pistols. Investigators are working to establish what led to the attack and identify those involved.
The incident has left residents in the area shocked, with authorities increasing efforts to track down the perpetrators.
10 killed near Cape Town
A separate shooting occurred in Lwandle, a township near Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday.
Police said 10 people died in the attack, while another 11 were wounded.
The shooting reportedly took place at a store around 1am. Investigators are searching for multiple suspects, although police have not disclosed the exact number of attackers.
No arrests had been announced in connection with either of the two latest shootings at the time of the reports.
Attacks follow deadly Durban shooting
The latest incidents came just days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, near Durban.
Eleven people were killed after gunmen attacked a gathering at a house in the township. One of the victims was a pregnant woman.
Police said several other people were wounded during that attack, which occurred on Tuesday night.
The series of shootings has intensified concerns about the level of violent crime in South Africa, where authorities have continued to face challenges involving illegal firearms and organised criminal activity.
Police launch investigations
South African police have deployed detectives and specialised units to investigate the latest attacks and identify those responsible.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the crime scenes, interview witnesses and establish possible motives for the shootings.
At this stage, authorities have not announced a confirmed motive linking the two latest attacks.
Police are also yet to establish whether the incidents are connected.
Growing concern over gun violence
South Africa has long struggled with high levels of violent crime, but the succession of mass shootings in different parts of the country has intensified public concern.
The latest attacks have occurred in communities close to some of the country’s largest urban centres, highlighting continuing concerns over access to firearms and public safety.
For families of those killed, however, the immediate focus remains on identifying victims, supporting survivors and ensuring that those responsible are brought before the courts.
Authorities have urged anyone with useful information about the shootings to assist investigators.
As investigations continue, the death toll from the latest two attacks stands at 27, with more than 25 people reported injured. The figure adds to the 11 lives lost in the KwaMakhutha shooting earlier in the week, making the recent wave of mass shootings particularly deadly.
