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Two separate armed attacks carried out several hours apart in South Africa left 27 people dead and 26 injured. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the incidents.
Shooting near Johannesburg
The first incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday in Vedela, about 80 kilometers from Johannesburg. Gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles opened fire on a tavern, killing 17 people and injuring 15 others.
Police officers, soldiers and forensic experts worked at the scene. Two burned-out vehicles were reportedly found near the tavern. Local residents declined to speak to journalists, saying they were concerned about their safety.
The second shooting took place at around 2 a.m. the following day in the Lvlend area on the outskirts of Cape Town. Gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others.
The motives behind both incidents remain unknown. Police said investigators were working to identify and locate those responsible for the attacks.
South Africa’s problem with gun crime
Criminal expert Yusuf Abramci said illegal firearms were widespread in the country. According to him, organized crime groups and gang members frequently use such weapons. The expert stressed that the investigation should not be limited to the direct perpetrators, but should also examine the wider networks behind the attacks.
The latest killings occurred ahead of municipal elections scheduled for November in South Africa. Crime and public safety remain among the country’s main concerns. President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organized crime as a serious threat to the country and ordered the deployment of the army to support police in some areas.
The shootings followed the killing of 11 people earlier in the week when a gathering at a home near Durban was attacked. In addition, the discovery of women’s bodies near Johannesburg since July has increased concerns over femicide and violent crime.
