At least 27 dead in two South Africa mass shootings
Gunmen attack taverns in Johannesburg and Cape Town, police say.
Gunmen attack taverns in Johannesburg and Cape Town, police say.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Two separate mass shootings in South Africa have killed at least 27 people, police have said.
- Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects in both attacks, with no arrests made as of Sunday morning.
- The two attacks occurred days after a mass shooting at a house party near the city of Durban killed 11 people, including a pregnant woman.
- [theguardian.
Two attacks kill at least 27 people
Two separate mass shootings in South Africa have killed at least 27 people, police have said. The first incident occurred late on Saturday when eight gunmen opened fire at a bar in the Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. At least 17 people were killed and 15 were injured in the attack, according to the South African police service.
In a separate incident early on Sunday morning, gunmen killed at least 10 people at an entertainment venue selling grilled meat, known as a shisanyama, in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Another 11 people were wounded in that shooting, police said.
Police hunt suspects after vehicle arson
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects in both attacks, with no arrests made as of Sunday morning. In the Johannesburg attack, the gunmen reportedly fired on patrons outside the tavern before entering and continuing to shoot. They allegedly searched some victims for cellphones and fled in two vehicles, two of which were set alight during the incident.
In the Cape Town shooting, the attackers entered the venue and opened fire on customers. Police said five individuals died at the scene and five others died after being transported to medical facilities. The identities of the deceased are being withheld until their next of kin are informed.
Context of gun violence in South Africa
The two attacks occurred days after a mass shooting at a house party near the city of Durban killed 11 people, including a pregnant woman. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with police data showing more than 22,700 people were murdered in the 12 months to June 2026.
The country has struggled with high levels of violent crime for years, often linked to gang activity and the prevalence of illegal weapons. In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a threat to the nation's democracy and economic development.
Sources and context
theguardian.com — At least 27 dead after two mass shootings in South Africa, police say
aljazeera.com — At least 27 people killed in two shootings in South African townships
bbc.co.uk — Two mass shootings in South Africa leave 27 dead
