27 Killed In Two Separate Mass Shootings In South Africa — Police Launch Manhunt For AK-47 Gunmen

South African police say they have launched a manhunt after 27 people were killed and 26 wounded in two separate mass shootings in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.

According to a statement posted on X by the South African Police Service, 17 people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela township southwest of Johannesburg.

Emergency medical services declared the 13 males and 4 females dead at the scene, and the motive for the shooting was not known.

“Suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols,” the statement says of the shooting, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. yesterday in Gauteng province.

No arrests have been made. Suspects allegedly targeted the tavern, opening fire on customers drinking outside and then moving inside to continue shooting.

Fifteen other victims with gunshot wounds were transported to medical facilities.

Separately, 10 people were killed and 11 wounded in an early-morning shooting in a township outside Cape Town, police say.

Gunmen entered an entertainment venue in Lwandle at 1:46 a.m. and “shot at patrons,” police said, adding that five of the victims died at the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.