South Africa shootings leave 27 dead as Police hunt gunmen

JOHANNESBURG: South African police were searching for suspects on Sunday after two separate shootings left at least 27 people dead and 26 others injured within hours, renewing concerns over the country’s persistent gun violence.

The attacks took place in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town, and in Wedela township southwest of Johannesburg. Police said no arrests had been made and detectives were working to identify and locate those responsible.

In Lwandle, gunmen opened fire at around 2am on Sunday at a venue selling grilled meat. Ten people were killed and 11 others injured in the attack, according to authorities.

Witnesses and onlookers gathered behind police cordons as emergency workers secured the scene. The motive for the shooting was not immediately known.

Hours earlier, at about 9:30pm on Saturday, gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles attacked a tavern in Wedela, around 80 kilometres from Johannesburg. Police said 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded.

Images from the scene showed two burnt vehicles outside the tavern as authorities investigated the deadly attack.

The shootings have once again highlighted South Africa’s long-running struggle with illegal firearms, organised crime and gang-related violence.

Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee told Reuters that illegal firearms are frequently used by organised criminal groups and gangs. He said investigations into mass shootings should also examine the wider networks that enable violent crime.

The attacks come as crime is expected to remain a major issue ahead of South Africa’s municipal elections in November. The African National Congress is facing further pressure over declining voter support, while public concern about violent crime remains high.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said earlier this year that organised crime had become a major threat to South Africa’s democracy and authorised military support for police operations in some areas.

The latest violence follows another deadly shooting near Durban last week, where 11 people were killed at a house party. Meanwhile, the discovery of women’s bodies near Johannesburg since July has intensified concerns over femicide and violent crime.

Authorities have not yet established whether the two latest shootings were connected. Police investigations are continuing, with detectives seeking information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.