South Africa was plunged into another night of violence after gunmen opened fire at two separate venues within hours, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured.
The first attack occurred 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 men entered the venue and opened fire on patrons.
The attackers were reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols. Witness Siyabonga Vokwana said eight men wearing balaclavas and jackets entered the tavern, appeared to check the people inside and then began shooting.
Police were investigating the motive while searching for the suspects, who had not been arrested.
One line of inquiry centred on a possible turf war involving illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas. Investigators were also examining whether the attack could have been connected to a previous shooting at the same tavern about a month earlier.
Hours later, another shooting was reported in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town.
Gunmen opened fire at a venue where people had gathered to eat and drink. Ten people were killed and 11 others injured in the attack.
Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died after being taken to medical facilities.
Eyewitness Kamvalethu Galada said he initially thought the sound of gunfire was fireworks. He soon realised something was seriously wrong as people began falling around him.
Police were also investigating a possible business-related motive in the Lwandle shooting. Reports indicated that some customers had been buying alcohol elsewhere because it was cheaper, with investigators examining whether the dispute may have contributed to the attack.
No arrests had been reported in either shooting as police continued their investigations.
The attacks came only days after another shooting near Durban claimed 11 lives at a house party, adding to growing concern over gun violence and the circulation of illegal firearms.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reacted to the latest violence by saying, “This cannot go on like this,” and said security forces would continue efforts to tackle violent crime.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee said illegal firearms remained a major concern and urged authorities to investigate the wider criminal networks behind the violence.
Police are now working to identify the gunmen, establish the motives behind the attacks and determine whether the separate shootings have any connection to broader criminal activities.
For the families of those killed, however, the investigation comes after another devastating night in which ordinary gatherings ended in gunfire.
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