South Africa horror: 27 killed in two separate mass shootings, dozens injured

According to media reports, 17 people were killed after eight gunmen stormed into a tavern near Johannesburg on Saturday evening. At least 15 others were injured in the attack.

Hours later, in a separate incident, 10 people were killed outside an entertainment venue in a township near Cape Town, while another 11 were injured, the BBC reported.

Police have not yet established a motive for either attack, and no arrests have been made so far.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating both incidents and searching for those responsible.

In the tavern shooting, police confirmed to The Citizen that 13 men and four women were killed after the suspects opened fire at a tavern in Wedela at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

According to local media reports, the attackers were armed with AK-47 rifles and handguns.

“It is alleged that patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside,” Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko told The Citizen.

“The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,” Sibeko added.

Regarding the second shooting, Western Cape police told The Citizen: “The identities of the deceased persons will be released once their next of kin are informed.”