27 Killed in Two Mass Shootings Near Johannesburg and Cape Town
Two separate mass shootings near South Africa’s two largest cities have resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, according to the South African Police Service. The incidents occurred on Saturday night in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, and in Lwandle, near Cape Town. In the Gauteng province attack, eight suspects armed with AK-47 assault rifles and pistols opened fire at a bar, killing 17 people and injuring at least 15 others. In the Western Cape incident, gunmen entered an entertainment venue selling grilled meat, known as a shisanyama, and killed 10 people while wounding 11 others.
Police spokesperson Capt Tintswalo Sibeko stated that the suspects arrived at the Johannesburg tavern while patrons were drinking both inside and outside. The group opened fire on those outside before entering the establishment and continuing their shooting spree. According to the statement, the suspects allegedly searched some patrons for cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles. Two vehicles were also set alight during the chaos. Western Cape police confirmed that five individuals died at the scene, while five others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to medical facilities. Detectives are currently investigating the Cape Town shooting, which began around 1:46 am on Saturday.
No arrests have been made in either of the latest mass shootings. Police in Gauteng launched a manhunt for the unidentified suspects involved in the Johannesburg tavern shooting. In the Western Cape, a team led by serious violent crime detectives has been established to investigate the perpetrators. The identities of the deceased will be released once their next of kin are informed. These attacks come just days after a mass shooting at a house party near Durban, where three gunmen killed 11 people, including a pregnant woman.
South Africa has long struggled with high rates of violent crime, but this week’s series of mass shootings has shocked even a country accustomed to some of the highest violent crime rates globally. Official data indicates that more than 22,700 people were murdered in the 12 months leading up to 30 June. The recent violence adds to the national trauma following the discovery of numerous women’s bodies near Johannesburg’s airport since July. Most of these victims were found in the last few weeks, sparking renewed anger regarding gender-based violence and increasing pressure on police and politicians to address the crisis.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
