At least 27 people were killed in two mass shootings that occurred in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, within a short period. The first incident took place at around 9:30pm on Saturday in Wedela, on Joburg's West Rand, where eight gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed a tavern, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others. The victims included 13 males and four females, with the motive for the shooting still unknown.
The suspects in the first shooting opened fire on customers drinking outside and then moved inside to continue shooting. They also torched two vehicles before fleeing the scene. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the incident and is investigating. The police have not yet arrested any suspects in either case. The attacks have raised concerns about persistent gun violence in the country, often linked to gang rivalries and competition among informal businesses.
A second shooting occurred at a shisanyama (braai) venue in Lwandle, Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday. Gunmen killed 10 people and wounded 11 more in this incident. Five of the victims were declared dead at the scene, while the others succumbed to their injuries while being taken to hospital. The police are still searching for suspects in this case.
The mass shootings have highlighted the ongoing struggle with gun violence in South Africa. In March this year, soldiers were deployed to support police efforts to tackle rampant crime in violence hotspots in Joburg. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described crime as one of the biggest threats facing the country. In 2019, around 1,300 soldiers were deployed to back up police in the gang-afflicted Cape Flats areas surrounding Cape Town.
Despite these efforts, shootings and other violent crime remain a persistent threat. In Johannesburg, 10 women have been killed in the Ukurhuleni area in the space of just two months. The latest victim was found in a cemetery on Saturday, semi-naked and stoned to death. A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with that killing, police announced on Sunday.
The police have offered a R400,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers in the Ukurhuleni area. The nine other victims were mostly in their 20s and 30s, with some found stripped of their clothes and showing signs of sexual assault. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The two mass shootings have left the community in shock, and the police are working to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incidents have also raised concerns about the safety of citizens and the need for increased security measures. The police are appealing for anyone with information to assist in the investigation.
Key points
- 27 people were killed in two mass shootings in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- The shootings have highlighted the ongoing struggle with gun violence in South Africa.
- The police are offering a R400,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers in the Ukurhuleni area.
