Gunmen Strike Two South African Venues, Leaving Multiple People Dead
South Africa was left reeling after gunmen opened fire at two separate venues within hours, killing multiple people and sending police into a fresh manhunt for those behind the attacks.
The first shooting happened on Saturday evening at a tavern in Wedela township, about 80 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg.
Police said 17 people were killed and 15 others injured after armed suspects stormed the venue and opened fire.
The attackers were reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols. Witness Siyabonga Vokwana said several men wearing balaclavas and jackets entered the tavern, checked patrons inside and then began shooting.
Police were investigating several possible motives, including a suspected turf war involving illegal miners known as zama zamas. Investigators were also looking into whether the attack could have been connected to a shooting at the same tavern about a month earlier.
Hours later, another attack unfolded in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town.
Gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others, according to police.
Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died after being taken to medical facilities.
An eyewitness, Kamvalethu Galada, said he initially thought the sound of gunfire was fireworks before realising people were falling around him.
Police were also examining a possible business dispute as a motive for the second attack. Reports suggested that some customers had been buying alcohol at cheaper prices elsewhere before gathering at the venue.
No arrests had been reported in either shooting as investigations continued.
The latest attacks came only days after another shooting near Durban claimed 11 lives at a house party, adding to growing concern over gun violence across South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reacted to the latest violence by saying, “This cannot go on like this,” and pledged that security forces would continue efforts to tackle violent crime.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee said the widespread availability of illegal firearms remained a major concern, urging authorities to investigate the wider criminal networks connected to such violence.
For investigators, the immediate task is finding the gunmen and establishing what triggered the attacks. For communities left behind, the question is becoming harder to ignore: how many more nights of ordinary gatherings will end in gunfire?
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