At least 27 people were killed and more than 20 wounded in two separate mass shootings across South African townships late Saturday and early Sunday, according to the South African Police Service. The attacks in Wedela and Lwandle follow another fatal shooting near Durban earlier in the week.
Wedela Tavern Attack Leaves 17 Dead on the West Rand
Seventeen people were killed and 15 others wounded when a group of eight armed men opened fire at a tavern in Wedela, a mining township southwest of Johannesburg in Gauteng Province. The massacre began at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in Extension 3 of the West Rand District.
According to police reports, the gunmen initially targeted patrons drinking outside the establishment before storming the interior to continue firing. Investigators said the dead included 13 men and four women, all of whom were declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.
Police said patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern in Extension 3 when the gunmen arrived at about 21:30 and allegedly shot at people outside before entering the tavern and opening fire on patrons inside.
During the assault, some patrons were forced to hand over their mobile phones while being searched by the attackers. The suspects fled in two unidentified vehicles, while two other vehicles were set ablaze at the location.
Lwandle Store Shooting Kills Ten Near Cape Town
Hours after the violence in Gauteng, a second mass shooting unfolded early Sunday morning in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Gunmen opened fire at a store just after midnight, killing at least 10 people and wounding 11 others.
Police have mobilized specialized units and detectives for both active investigations, though no arrests had been announced as of Sunday. Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that authorities opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases, and two property damage counts for the Wedela attack alone, while multiple suspects are also being sought for the Lwandle store shooting.
Escalating Gun Violence Across South African Townships
The twin massacres occurred just days after another violent incident at a house party near Durban, where 11 people were killed, including a pregnant woman.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the Wedela tavern attack to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS mobile application.
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