South African police are investigating two separate shootings that occurred within hours of each other, resulting in 27 deaths. The incidents have brought attention to the country's ongoing struggle with gun violence. On Sunday, officials were still establishing the motives for the shootings, which took place near Johannesburg and Cape Town. The police are exploring possible links to a turf war between illegal miners and a business rivalry.
In Wedela township, about 80km from Johannesburg, 17 people were killed and 15 injured at a tavern when suspects armed with AK-47 rifles opened fire at around 9:30 pm on Saturday. According to police, many residents were reluctant to speak about the incident, but one resident mentioned that illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, live in the area. Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni stated that one line of inquiry was that the shooting was a "turf war in terms of illegal mining".
The tavern where the shooting occurred had a sign that read "No weapons allowed" below its trading hours. Soldiers from the national army and police pathologists had arrived in the township, where two burnt vehicles could be seen. This incident may be linked to a previous shooting at the same tavern about a month ago, with Saturday's shooting potentially being retaliation.
In Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town, a separate shooting occurred at a venue selling grilled meat around 2 am on Sunday, killing 10 people and injuring 11 more. An eyewitness video from the venue shows people dancing and singing in a crowded outdoor area when a burst of shots rings out and screams are heard. A police official stated that "a business jealousy might have been the issue" as there were reports that people had been buying alcohol in cheaper places and going to the venue to drink.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee noted that South Africa has a serious illegal firearms problem, and firearms are frequently used by organized criminal groups as well as in gang-related and other violent crimes. Abramjee emphasized that authorities need to look at the wider networks behind the violence, rather than just investigating the immediate perpetrators.
The shootings have highlighted the ongoing issue of violent crime in South Africa, despite government efforts to curb one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the world. Crime is expected to be a major issue for voters in municipal elections in November, where the ANC is facing further erosion of voter support. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated earlier this year that organized crime had become the biggest threat to South Africa's democracy.
The government has taken steps to address the issue, with President Ramaphosa deploying the army to help police in some areas. However, the recent shootings demonstrate that more work needs to be done to address the root causes of violent crime. The police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shootings and are continuing their investigations.
Key points
- 27 people were killed in two separate shootings in South Africa.
- The shootings may be linked to a turf war between illegal miners and a business rivalry.
- The incidents highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence in South Africa.
