Gunmen killed at least 27 people in two tavern shootings in South Africa. Police have made no arrests.
At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings at South African drinking establishments over the weekend, according to the South African Police Service. The first attack occurred Saturday night at a tavern west of Johannesburg in Gauteng province, killing 17 patrons, while a second shooting early Sunday at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town, left 10 more dead. Investigators have made no arrests in either case and say no motive has been established.
In the Gauteng attack, police said gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on patrons standing outside the tavern shortly before 9:30 p.m. before entering the venue and continuing to shoot people inside. Authorities said the attackers searched some victims and took their cellphones before fleeing in two vehicles, two of which were set alight during the incident. Thirteen men and four women were killed. Detectives and specialized police units have been deployed to track the suspects, though no leads have been publicly disclosed.
The second shooting took place around 1:46 a.m. Sunday at a venue in Lwandle that also serves grilled meat, known locally as shisanyama. Police said gunmen entered the establishment and opened fire on patrons, killing five people at the scene; five more died later after being taken to hospitals, and 11 others were being treated for injuries. Investigations into murder and attempted murder have been opened, and authorities said victims’ identities would be released once their next of kin had been notified.
South Africa has experienced a series of mass shootings at taverns and informal drinking venues in recent years, with attackers frequently targeting patrons with little apparent warning and fleeing before police arrive. Investigators have not said whether Saturday’s and Sunday’s attacks are connected.
This report draws on information from Euronews and the South African Police Service.