At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within a few hours, with dozens of others injured in the latest incidents to raise concerns about violent crime in the country.
The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, where 17 people were killed.
According to the South African Police Service, multiple suspects opened fire at people at the bar at about 9:30 p.m. Police said 15 others sustained gunshot injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
The victims in the Johannesburg-area shooting included 13 men and four women, police said.
Investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible. No arrests had been reported in connection with the shooting at the time of the initial reports.
About four hours later, another mass shooting occurred in Lwandle township near Cape Town.
Police said 10 people were killed in the second attack, which occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday. Another 11 people were injured.
Authorities said they were searching for multiple suspects, although the exact number had not been established.
Police had not confirmed a definitive motive for either shooting. In the Johannesburg case, investigators were considering several possible explanations, including criminal disputes, after reports that some victims had their belongings taken during the incident. Police were also examining whether the attack could be connected to conflicts involving illegal mining activities.
The two shootings came only days after another deadly attack in KwaMakhutha township near Durban, where 11 people were killed during a shooting at a house party.
The latest incidents have renewed attention on South Africa’s long-standing struggle with violent crime and firearms.
According to official police statistics cited in reports, South Africa recorded 5,427 homicides between April and June 2026, an average of nearly 60 killings per day during the three-month period.
Authorities and crime experts have repeatedly identified the circulation of illegal firearms and organised criminal activity as significant challenges in efforts to reduce violent crime.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organised crime as a major threat to the country’s security and development. The government has also deployed members of the military alongside police in some high-crime areas as part of efforts to tackle violent crime.
The circumstances surrounding the latest shootings remain under investigation, while authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Source: Thepressradio.com
