Twenty seven people have been killed and twenty six injured in two separate mass shootings at social gathering places near Johannesburg and Cape Town over the weekend, according to police officials.
These attacks show another serious increase in violence in South Africa, happening just days after eleven people were killed in another mass shooting in Durban.
17 Shot Dead at Wedela Bar Near Johannesburg
The first incident happened at about 9:30 PM on Saturday in the township of Wedela in the West Rand District of Gauteng province, south of Johannesburg.
The South African Police Service says eight armed men carrying AK47s, shotguns, and handguns entered a local tavern. They started shooting at customers outside before going inside.
- Deaths & Injuries: Seventeen people (13 men and 4 women) died at the scene, and 15 more people were shot.
- Robbery & Arson: The masked gunmen searched several customers, took their mobile phones, and poured petrol on two parked cars before escaping in two unidentified getaway cars.
10 Killed in Cape Town Township Shooting
About five and a half hours later, on Sunday morning at about 1:46 AM, a second mass shooting took place at an entertainment facility in Lwandle, near Strand, outside Cape Town.
Five people were shot dead when gunmen entered the building and opened fire on the crowd. Five more people died from their injuries after being taken to nearby hospitals. Eleven other people are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
Nationwide Police Manhunt Underway
No arrests have been made after either attack. Police experts, including forensic investigators and homicide detectives, have started a nationwide search for those responsible for both crimes.
South Africa has high levels of violent crime, with an average of about 58 murders per day according to police statistics. Police face growing public pressure to control illegal gun operations and tavern violence.