27 killed in separate mass shootings across South Africa

At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, with police launching investigations and searches for the gunmen responsible.

The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, where 17 people were killed.

Police said the attackers arrived at about 9:30pm and opened fire on people gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises and shooting at patrons.

Emergency medical workers pronounced 13 men and four women dead at the scene, while 15 other people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospitals.

According to police, the attackers were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They reportedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before escaping in two unidentified vehicles.

Two other vehicles were also set ablaze during the incident.

No arrests had been announced as of Sunday, while the motive remained unknown. Detectives and specialised police units have been deployed to identify and arrest those responsible.

Hours later, another shooting occurred at about 1:46am at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town.

Police said gunmen entered the venue, which also serves braaied meat, and opened fire on customers.

Five people died at the scene, while another five succumbed to their injuries after being taken to medical facilities. Eleven others were wounded and remained under medical care.

Police said murder and attempted-murder investigations were underway, adding that the identities of the victims would be released after their families had been notified.

The two attacks came days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, where 11 people were killed and three others injured at a house party on Tuesday night.

Police said three gunmen entered the house and opened fire on those inside. The motive has not been established, although authorities said a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.

The three incidents have left at least 38 people dead across South Africa within the week, according to the reported casualty figures.

Police investigations into the latest shootings were ongoing, with no arrests announced in either incident as of Sunday.