Gunmen have killed at least 27 people in two mass shootings in South Africa's main cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The incidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday, with police reporting that eight gunmen armed with assault rifles and pistols stormed a bar in Wedela, a semi-rural township southwest of Johannesburg, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others. The dead included 13 males and four females.
The shooting in Wedela took place in an area that has been a focus of a government crackdown on illegal mining, with soldiers deployed alongside police to tackle criminal networks operating around abandoned mine shafts. The motive of the attack was unknown, but deputy provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said the attack appeared to have been retaliation for an incident last month. One of the victims was being sought by police in connection with an incident at the same tavern last month.
In a separate shooting at a barbecue venue in a township outside Cape Town early on Sunday, gunmen killed 10 people and wounded 11 more. Video clips shared on social media showed revellers dancing and drinking before a burst of gunfire rang out, sending people scrambling for cover. Five of the victims were declared dead at the scene while the others died while being transported to hospital. Two of those killed were female.
The attacks come as South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gun violence, often linked to gangs, organised crime and local business rivalries. The country records roughly 60 murders a day, among the highest rates globally. President Cyril Ramaphosa said security forces "are going to continue pulling out all stops" to put an end to criminality.
Ramaphosa deployed soldiers to violence hotspots in Johannesburg in March, describing rampant crime as one of the biggest threats facing the country. Troops were also deployed to enforce strict Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and during the deadly riots sparked by the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma in 2021.
A new batch of 105 distressed Nigerian nationals have been evacuated from South Africa following Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in the country. The returnees, comprising 82 adults and 23 children, arrived in Lagos on South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday. The evacuation was funded by a $265,854 donation made by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
This latest arrival marks the 13th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on 10th June, bringing the total number of Nigerian nationals evacuated to 1,821. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to engage with the leadership of the RCCG in South Africa and other philanthropic groups and individuals to evacuate more distressed Nigerians.
Key points
- 27 people killed in two mass shootings in South Africa
- 105 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid Xenophobic attacks
- South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gun violence
