At Least 27 Killed in Twin Mass Shootings at South African Townships

At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in South African townships within hours of each other, police said on Sunday, in the latest wave of deadly gun violence to hit the country.

According to the South African Police Service, eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on patrons at a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, late on Saturday night. The attackers first shot at people drinking outside the bar before moving inside and continuing the attack. Seventeen people — 13 men and four women — were killed, and at least 15 others were wounded. Police said the gunmen searched some victims, took their mobile phones, and set two vehicles alight before fleeing.

Deputy provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said officers had clear pictures of the suspects and vowed to arrest them. He suggested the attack may have been retaliation for an earlier incident at the same bar, in which one person was killed and another wounded.

About four hours later, gunmen opened fire at a venue in Lwandle township near Cape Town, killing 10 people and wounding 11. No arrests had been made in either shooting by Sunday morning.

The killings came just five days after another mass shooting near Durban left at least 11 people dead, including a pregnant woman. Police say the attacks underscore South Africa’s struggle with organised crime and the spread of illegal firearms.

SOURCES

• Associated Press (via BusinessMirror)
• Radio Nigeria (FRCN)
• The Telegraph Nigeria