At Least 27 Killed in Two South African Township Shootings

At least 27 people were killed and 26 wounded in two shootings in South African townships, police said, as investigators searched for suspects in both incidents.

The first attack took place late on Saturday at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand district of Gauteng province, southwest of Johannesburg. Police said at least 17 people died and 15 others were wounded.

The second shooting happened early on Sunday at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town. At least 10 people were killed and 11 wounded, according to police. The number of suspects being sought in that case was not specified.

Suspects sought in Wedela

Police said the Wedela attack began at about 9:30pm, when gunmen fired at people gathered outside the tavern before entering and shooting again.

Investigators said some customers were searched and had their mobile phones taken during the incident. The suspects reportedly fled in two vehicles, while two other vehicles were burned.

Eight suspects were being sought in connection with the Wedela shooting. Police said they were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. Detectives and specialist police units were assigned to identify and locate them.

Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said police had opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases and two property-damage cases related to the attack.

The motive remained unknown, and no arrests had been announced in the Wedela case.

Renewed concern over gun violence

The shootings came days after an attack at a house party near Durban in which 11 people were killed, including a pregnant woman.

South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, including firearm-related killings. The government has faced sustained pressure to improve public safety, especially in major urban areas, while police have conducted additional operations targeting gun crime.