South African police have launched a manhunt for eight gunmen after 27 people were killed in two coordinated mass shootings within hours of each other in Johannesburg and Cape Town this weekend. The attacks, which occurred late Saturday and early Sunday, mark the latest in a series of violent incidents in the country’s townships, where gun violence has surged in recent weeks.
Eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols stormed a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others. Witnesses reported that the attackers first fired on patrons outside the venue before moving inside to continue shooting. Police confirmed that the gunmen searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles, which were later set ablaze. No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
In a separate incident early Sunday, gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town, killing 10 people and wounding 11 others. Authorities stated that suspects were armed with similar weapons and that five victims were declared dead at the scene. Police have not disclosed a motive for this attack either, though investigations are ongoing.
The spate of violence follows a mass shooting in Durban on September 22, where 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed during an attack on a house party. Police have linked that incident to criminal activity, though no arrests have been made. Authorities have not confirmed whether the recent shootings are connected.
South Africa’s police service has described the attacks as part of a broader pattern of gun violence tied to organized crime, illegal mining, and gang rivalries. The country’s high murder rate—among the highest per capita globally—has been exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal firearms. President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously deployed soldiers to violence hotspots in Johannesburg to support police efforts, but recent incidents suggest persistent challenges in curbing such attacks.
Forensic teams and investigators are examining the scenes, while authorities have appealed to the public for information. The manhunt remains active as police work to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in both attacks.
Background: South Africa’s Gun Violence Crisis
South Africa has long grappled with high levels of violent crime, with approximately 60 murders occurring daily across the country. Mass shootings in South Africa often differ from lone-actor attacks seen elsewhere, as they are frequently linked to criminal enterprises, turf wars, or business rivalries rather than ideological or personal motives. Illegal gold mining operations, known locally as zama-zamas, have been a recurring flashpoint for such violence.
In June, 12 people were killed in a mass shooting in Johannesburg’s informal settlements, which police attributed to conflicts between illegal miners. The recent attacks have renewed scrutiny on the government’s efforts to address gun violence and organized crime ahead of upcoming elections.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the shootings are connected, though no definitive links have been established. Investigations are ongoing, and police have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the manhunt.