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

JOHANNESBURG/CAPE TOWN, September 27: South African police have launched a major manhunt after 27 people were killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town within hours of each other. No arrests had been made as of Sunday, while authorities continued searching for those responsible.

The attacks have renewed concern over gun violence in South Africa, where police continue to confront organised crime, illegal firearms and gang-related violence. The motives behind both shootings remain unknown.

17 Killed in Tavern Shooting Near Johannesburg

The deadliest attack occurred in Wedela township, around 80 kilometres from Johannesburg.

According to the South African Police Service, suspects armed with AK-47 rifles opened fire at a tavern at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, killing 17 people and injuring 15 others.

Police cordoned off the scene as investigators began gathering evidence and searching for the attackers.

Two Burnt Vehicles Found Outside Tavern

Two burnt vehicles were visible outside the Wedela tavern following the attack, Reuters reported.

Investigators have not yet publicly established why the tavern was targeted or whether the incident was linked to gang activity, organised crime or another motive.

Detectives and specialised police units are working to identify and locate those responsible.

Second Shooting Kills 10 Near Cape Town

Only hours later, another shooting took place in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Gunmen opened fire at around 2 a.m. on Sunday at a venue selling grilled meat, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others.

Police again launched an investigation, but no arrests were immediately announced.

27 Killed Within Hours

Combined, the two attacks left 27 people dead and 26 injured.

The incidents occurred in different parts of the country and police have not publicly indicated that they are connected.

Authorities also said the motives for both attacks were still unknown as investigations continued.

Police Launch Manhunt for Attackers

South African police said detectives were actively working to trace the perpetrators of both shootings.

As of the latest update on September 27, no arrests had been made in either case.

Police are expected to examine forensic evidence, witness accounts and other information from the crime scenes as part of the investigation.

Gun Violence Remains Major Concern in South Africa

The latest attacks have again highlighted South Africa’s longstanding problem with violent crime and illegal firearms.

Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee told Reuters that illegal firearms are frequently used by organised criminal groups as well as in gang-related and other violent crimes. He said authorities also need to investigate the wider criminal networks that may be behind mass shootings.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest per-capita murder rates, while gang violence and organised crime continue to present major challenges for law enforcement.

Attacks Follow Other Recent Mass Killings

The two shootings come only days after another deadly incident near Durban.

A shooting at a house party near Durban last week killed 11 people, adding to concerns over a recent series of violent attacks in the country.

Separately, the discovery of multiple women’s bodies near Johannesburg since July has intensified public concern about high levels of violence against women.

Government Has Deployed Army to Support Police

Earlier this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a major threat to the country’s democracy.

The government subsequently deployed the military to assist police operations in some areas affected by serious crime.

The latest shootings are likely to add further pressure on authorities to strengthen action against illegal firearms and organised criminal networks.

Investigation Continues

Police investigations into both shootings remain ongoing, with authorities yet to establish clear motives or announce arrests.

Law-enforcement agencies are continuing their search for the perpetrators while families and communities in Wedela and Lwandle deal with the aftermath of the attacks.

Authorities are expected to release further information as investigations progress.

Source – Reuters / South African Police Service

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