Police hunt gunmen after 2 mass shootings in South Africa leave at least 27 dead
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Two separate mass shootings in South African townships within hours of each other have left at least 27 people dead, p
Two mass shootings in South African townships have killed at least 27 people, according to police reports. The first attack occurred late Saturday night in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, where eight armed gunmen with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire at a bar, killing 17 people and injuring at least 15 more. The gunmen took the mobile phones of some patrons before fleeing in two vehicles.
Four hours later, a shooting at a store linked to an entertainment venue in Lwandle township, near Cape Town, left 10 dead and 11 wounded. Police are searching for multiple suspects in both incidents. South Africa has long been plagued by violent crime, but recent shootings have shocked a nation used to high homicide rates. The attacks coincide with a five-day period since another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha township near Durban, which killed at least 11 people.
Experts say mass shootings are becoming more common, often carried out by multiple gunmen targeting impoverished communities in townships and informal settlements. The government has deployed soldiers to high-crime areas in response to the ongoing violence, but critics argue police are not effective. South Africa averages around 60 daily homicides, with guns being the primary method of murder.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
