At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shooting incidents in South Africa, according to reports from the South African Police Service on Sunday. The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a tavern located west of Johannesburg, where 17 people lost their lives.
Authorities stated that the incident began around 9:30 pm when suspects arrived at the establishment and opened fire on patrons who were drinking outside. The attackers then moved inside the tavern to continue the assault.
Witnesses and reports suggest the gunmen were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. Before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles, the suspects reportedly searched patrons, stole their cellphones, and set two vehicles on fire. The victims in this incident included 13 men and four women. Specialized police units and detectives have been deployed to the area to track the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made at this time.
In a separate incident during the early hours of Sunday morning, another 10 people were killed and 11 others were injured in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Police reported that gunmen entered an entertainment venue that also serves braaied meat, known as a shisanyama, at approximately 01:46 am and began shooting at the patrons.
Five individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while five additional victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to medical facilities.
The 11 injured individuals remain under medical care. Local authorities have launched investigations into murder and attempted murder regarding the shooting. The identities of the victims in both incidents are expected to be released once their next of kin have been properly notified.
"Official police reports indicate that gunmen entered an entertainment place that also sells braaied meat (shisanyama) at approximately 01:46 and shot at patrons," the service said.
