Gun Violence Claims 27 Lives in Separate Attacks Near Johannesburg and Cape Town

At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings near South Africa’s two largest cities, adding to concerns over violent crime in the country.
According to the South African Police Service, 17 people were killed in a shooting at a bar in the Wedela settlement, southwest of Johannesburg, on Saturday night. Police said eight suspects, armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, opened fire during the attack.
Authorities said at least 15 other people suffered gunshot injuries in the Wedela incident. Police have launched an investigation and are searching for those responsible.
In a separate incident, police said 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town, at around 1 a.m. on Sunday. An additional 11 people were injured in that attack.
Police confirmed that several suspects are being sought in connection with the Lwandle shooting as well, although no exact number of suspects has been disclosed.
The two incidents occurred only days after another mass shooting near the coastal city of Durban. In that attack, three gunmen opened fire during a house party, killing 11 people, including a pregnant woman.
Police said no arrests had been made in either of the latest mass shooting cases as investigations continue.
South Africa has struggled with high levels of violent crime for many years. However, the series of mass shootings this week has drawn particular attention and shocked many in a country already accustomed to some of the highest violent crime rates in the world.