At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, with police launching investigations and manhunts for the gunmen behind the attacks.
Seventeen people were killed at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, on Saturday night, while another 10 people were killed at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday.
In the Wedela attack, police said the gunmen arrived at about 9:30pm and opened fire on people gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot at patrons.
Emergency medical services pronounced 13 men and four women dead at the scene, while 15 other victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to medical facilities.
South African police said the suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some of the patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.
Two other vehicles were also set alight during the attack, police said.
No arrests had been made as of Sunday, while the motive for the shooting remained unknown. Detectives and specialised police units have been deployed to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The second shooting occurred at about 1:46am on Sunday at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town.
Police said gunmen entered the venue, which also sells braaied meat, and opened fire on patrons.
Five people were killed at the scene, while another five died after being taken to medical facilities. Eleven others were wounded and remained under medical care.
Police said investigations into murder and attempted murder were underway, with the identities of the victims to be released after their next of kin have been notified.
The two attacks came days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, where 11 people were killed and three others injured at a house party on Tuesday night.
South African authorities said three gunmen entered the house and opened fire on the people gathered inside. Police have not established a motive but said a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.
The latest attacks bring the number of people killed in the three mass shootings reported across South Africa this week to at least 38.
Police investigations into the latest attacks are continuing, with no arrests announced in either of Sunday’s incidents.
