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.
