Eight Gunmen Kill 17, Injure 15 In Johannesburg Bar Shooting

At least 27 people were killed and 26 others wounded in two separate mass shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town within hours, prompting police manhunts for multiple suspects. The attacks occurred at a tavern in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, late Saturday and at an entertainment venue in Lwandle near Cape Town early Sunday.

In Wedela’s Extension 3, eight armed suspects reportedly opened fire at patrons at about 9:30 pm on Saturday. Police said the attackers were carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols and first shot at people outside the tavern before moving inside and continuing the attack.

Seventeen people were killed, including 13 men and four women, while 15 others suffered gunshot wounds. Emergency services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene, according to police.

The suspects allegedly searched some patrons and stole their mobile phones before escaping in two unidentified vehicles. Police said two vehicles were also set alight during the incident. Detectives and specialised units have launched a manhunt for the eight suspects, while the motive remains unknown. Police have opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted-murder cases and two cases of malicious damage to property.

Around four hours later, another shooting was reported in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Police said gunmen entered an entertainment venue that also sells grilled meat, commonly known as a shisanyama, at about 1:46 am on Sunday and opened fire on patrons.

Ten people were killed and 11 others wounded. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries after being taken to medical facilities. A multidisciplinary team led by Serious and Violent Crime detectives has been assigned to the investigation, and police have increased deployments in the area.

No arrests had been reported in either attack, and police have not established whether the shootings were connected. The latest violence came just days after 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed at a house party in KwaMakhutha near Durban.

South Africa continues to face high levels of gun violence, with police statistics recording 5,427 homicides between April and June, or nearly 60 killings a day. Experts cited by Reuters said illegal firearms are frequently used in organised crime and gang-related violence.