Johannesburg: Twenty-seven people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within hours of each other, highlighting the country’s continuing struggle with gun violence.
In the first incident, 17 people were killed after eight gunmen stormed a bar near Johannesburg. Police stated that 13 men and four women died in the attack, while another 15 people were injured. The gunmen reportedly opened fire on customers outside the bar before entering the premises and continuing the shooting. They also set two vehicles on fire before fleeing the scene.
A second shooting took place in the early hours outside an entertainment venue in a township near Cape Town. Ten people were killed and 11 others were injured. Five victims died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the Cape Town shooting, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the incident. The latest attacks come only days after 11 people were killed in Durban when gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township, adding to concerns over a recent series of mass shootings across the country.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with gun violence remaining a persistent problem. The country records around 60 murders a day, according to available crime data, while illegal firearms remain widespread.
Authorities have also linked some of the country’s gun violence to gang-related conflicts, including turf wars involving drug trafficking and illegal mining. In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa’s democracy, society and economic development.
Earlier this year, the government deployed military personnel alongside police in areas with some of the country’s highest murder rates as part of efforts to tackle armed violence.
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