At Least 27 Killed in Separate Shootings in South African Townships

At least 27 people have been killed in two separate shootings in South African townships, with more than 20 others wounded, according to police.

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

The second shooting occurred early Sunday at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Police reported at least 10 deaths and 11 injuries in that incident.

Suspects sought in both attacks

Police said eight suspects were being sought over the Wedela shooting. Detectives and specialist police units were assigned to identify and locate them. Authorities had not announced any arrests, and the identities of those being pursued were not provided.

Multiple suspects were also being sought after the Lwandle attack. Police have not provided a motive for that shooting.

In Wedela, police said the motive remained unknown. Investigators said gunmen first opened fire on people gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises and firing more shots.

Some customers were searched during the attack and had their mobile phones taken, according to investigators. The suspects later escaped in two vehicles, while two other vehicles were burned during the incident.

Police described the eight Wedela suspects as reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.

Cases opened after Wedela attack

Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said authorities had opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted-murder cases and two property-damage cases linked to the Wedela shooting.

The attack began at about 9:30pm on Saturday, or 19:30 GMT, police said.

The two shootings came days after a separate house-party shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed, including a pregnant woman.

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