South Africa shootings leave 27 dead, 26 injured as police launch manhunts

Africa, Crime Diary

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — At least 27 people have been killed and 26 others injured in separate mass shootings in South Africa, with police launching manhunts for the gunmen responsible for the attacks in Wedela and Lwandle.

In the first incident, 17 people were killed and 15 others injured when eight unidentified armed men attacked a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand District of Gauteng, on Saturday night.

According to Gauteng Police, the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. when patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern.

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The suspects reportedly opened fire on patrons outside before entering the tavern and continuing to shoot those inside. They were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.

Police said the attackers searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles were also set on fire during the incident.

Emergency Medical Services declared all 17 victims, comprising 13 males and four females, dead at the scene. Fifteen other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.

No arrests had been made as of the time of filing, while a team of detectives and specialised units continued efforts to trace the suspects.

In a separate attack in Lwandle, Western Cape, 10 people were killed and 11 others injured after gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue in the early hours of Sunday.

Western Cape police said the gunmen entered the venue, which also sells braaied meat, at about 1:46 a.m. and opened fire on patrons.

Five victims died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries after being taken to medical facilities. Eleven others are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

Lwandle police have opened murder and attempted murder cases.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen. Sizakhele Dyantyi has established a multidisciplinary team led by serious violent crime detectives to investigate the shooting.

Police said no arrests had been made and detectives were searching for the perpetrators.

The identities of the deceased will be released after their next of kin have been informed.

SAPS management has also increased police deployments in the area as the search for the gunmen continues.

Police said the motives for both attacks remained unknown.