27 killed in two separate South Africa mass shootings

South African police were hunting gunmen on Sunday after two separate mass shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town killed 27 people and wounded 26 within hours.

No arrests had been made, and police had not established a motive for either attack.

The shootings came five days after 11 people were killed at a house party near Durban, adding to concerns over illegal firearms and organised crime in the country.

The first attack took place at around 9.30 pm on Saturday at a bar in Wedela township, about 80 km southwest of Johannesburg.

Police said eight gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on patrons outside the bar, then went inside and continued shooting. Thirteen men and four women were killed, while 15 other people sustained gunshot wounds.

The attackers searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before escaping in two vehicles, according to



police.

Soldiers and police pathologists were sent to the township on Sunday as investigators examined the scene. Two burnt vehicles were visible nearby, though police had not said whether they were linked to the attack.

Some residents were reluctant to discuss the shooting. One pointed to the presence of illegal gold miners, locally known as zama zamas. Police have not linked the miners to the attack or identified a motive.

About four hours later, gunmen attacked a store in Lwandle township on the outskirts of Cape Town. Ten people were killed and 11 wounded in the shooting, which took place after 1 am on Sunday.

Police said they were searching for multiple suspects but did not specify how many people were involved. Onlookers gathered behind police lines at the scene, though some told journalists they were afraid to speak.

Investigators are treating the attacks as separate incidents. Police have not announced any connection between them.