Death toll in South Africa bar shooting rises to 18

The death toll in a shooting at a South African bar has increased to 18, with one more person succumbing to their injuries in the hospital, police announced on Monday. The attack, which took place late Saturday west of Johannesburg, involved at least four gunmen armed with assault rifles who stormed the bar in the semi-rural township of Wedela, located around 80 kilometers from the city center.

The victims consisted of 13 men and four women. At least two of the deceased were nationals of Lesotho, a country nestled within South Africa. Only four of the victims have been identified so far, two from South Africa and two from Lesotho. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the area is reportedly plagued by gang rivalry, particularly related to illicit mining for gold.

South Africa is rife with illegal firearms, and shootings are a common occurrence, often fueled by gang-related disputes, extortion, and illegal business competition. The nation, home to approximately 62 million people, has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with about 60 people killed daily.