South Africa Police Hunt Suspects After 27 Killed in Two Separate Shootings

Police investigate the scene of a deadly shooting in South Africa as authorities search for suspects. Photo credit: Unsplash.

 JOHANNESBURG – South African police are searching for suspects after two separate shootings within hours left at least 27 people dead and 26 others injured near Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The first attack took place on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela township, about 80 kilometres from Johannesburg. Police said 17 people were killed and 15 others injured after gunmen opened fire at the venue.

According to police, the shooting happened at around 9:30 p.m. local time. The attackers were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The motive for the attack remained unclear, and no arrests had been announced.

Police said detectives and specialist units were working to identify and locate the perpetrators.

A second shooting occurred in Lwandle township on the outskirts of Cape Town early Sunday morning. Police said gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat at around 1:46 a.m.

Five people were killed at the scene, while another five later died after being taken to medical facilities, bringing the death toll from that attack to 10. Eleven other people were receiving medical treatment.

Police said no arrests had been made in the Lwandle case either and detectives were searching for those responsible.

The two attacks occurred only days after another mass shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed at a house party, according to reports.

The latest shootings have again highlighted the scale of gun violence facing South Africa. Police and government authorities have been under pressure to tackle organised crime, gang violence and the widespread availability of firearms.

However, investigators have not yet established whether the two latest shootings were connected. Police were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding each incident separately.

Authorities have also not publicly established a motive for either attack.

For now, the investigation remains focused on identifying the gunmen, determining what led to the attacks and establishing whether any wider criminal networks were involved.

The latest incidents have added to concerns over violent crime in South Africa, where shootings in some townships and urban areas remain a persistent security challenge.

Key Facts

• Total killed: 27

• Total injured: 26

• First attack: Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg — 17 killed, 15 injured

• Second attack: Lwandle, near Cape Town — 10 killed, 11 injured

• Arrests: None reported at the time of the latest police statements

• Motive: Not yet established