27 dead within hours in South Africa: What do police know about the two mass shootings, and are the suspects still at large?

Two communities were left grieving on Sunday after separate shootings killed 27 people near Johannesburg and Cape Town. The first attack struck a tavern in Wedela on Saturday night. Hours later, gunmen targeted a food venue in Lwandle.

Police have launched two major investigations. No arrests had been announced by Sunday. Officers have also found no confirmed connection between the attacks.

Eight Gunmen Storm Wedela Tavern

Patrons were drinking inside and outside a tavern in Wedela when eight armed men arrived at about 9:30 p.m.


The attackers first opened fire on people outside, according to the South African Police Service. They then entered the building and continued shooting.

Seventeen people died at the scene. The victims included 13 men and four women. Another 15 people suffered gunshot wounds, as per a report by Reuters.

Police said the gunmen carried AK-47 rifles and pistols. Some patrons were searched during the attack. Their mobile phones were allegedly taken.

The group fled in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were later found burning near the tavern. Investigators have opened 17 murder cases. Another 15 attempted murder cases are being investigated.

Second South Africa Mass Shooting Hits Lwandle

Another burst of gunfire was reported several hours later in Lwandle, outside Cape Town. Gunmen attacked a venue selling grilled meat at around 1:46 a.m. Ten people were killed. Eleven others were wounded.

Western Cape police created a specialist team to investigate the killings. Serious and Violent Crime detectives are leading the search.


Residents gathered behind police barriers after sunrise. Several people reportedly refused to speak with journalists due to fears for their safety.

No suspects had been arrested at the time of the latest police update.

Police Have Not Confirmed a Motive

The timing of the attacks has raised questions about a possible connection. Police have not said the shootings were linked.

A motive also remains unknown in both cases.

Wedela lies in a gold-mining area west of Johannesburg. Illegal miners operate in parts of the region. Police have not connected them to the tavern attack.

Investigators will now examine firearms evidence and witness accounts. CCTV footage may also help trace the vehicles used by the Wedela gunmen.

Gun Violence Returns to the National Spotlight

South Africa records roughly 60 murders each day, according to official crime figures cited by Reuters. Illegal firearms remain a major concern for law enforcement agencies.

Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee said mass shootings require a wider investigation into the networks supplying weapons to criminal groups.

For families in Wedela and Lwandle, the wait for answers has only begun.

FAQs

How many people died in the two shootings in South Africa?

Seventeen people were killed in Wedela. Ten died in Lwandle, bringing the combined toll to 27.

Have police made any arrests in mass shootings in South Africa?

Police had not announced any arrests by Sunday. Manhunts remain active in Gauteng and the Western Cape.