South Africa is reeling from a bloody weekend after a series of mass shootings left 27 people dead and 26 others wounded in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela, Carletonville, where 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded. The victims included 13 males and four females, with both South African and foreign nationals among those killed.
According to police, eight gunmen armed with assault rifles and pistols opened fire on customers outside the tavern in Wedela before moving inside and continuing the shooting. The suspects allegedly searched patrons and took an undisclosed number of cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles were also set alight. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, although there has been speculation that the attack could have been linked to retaliation by another gang.
Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana said investigators had identified some of the suspects. He confirmed that they had clear features and possible names, but the identities would only be revealed when they appear in court. The police are still searching for the suspects responsible for the attack. The incident has once again placed gun violence, organised crime, and policing under the spotlight.
Hours after the Carletonville shooting, another mass shooting took place in Lwandle, Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday. Ten people were killed and 11 others wounded after gunmen opened fire at a shisanyama venue. Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the gunmen entered the entertainment venue, which also sells braaied meat, at about 1.46am and opened fire on patrons.
Five people died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Eleven others were being treated for their injuries. The identities of the deceased persons will be released once their next of kin are informed. Lwandle police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder.
In a separate incident in Cape Town Site C, Khayelitsha, three men died at the scene of a shooting and a fourth died in hospital. Khayelitsha police responded to the scene at about 7.15pm and found three men with multiple gunshot wounds. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and no suspects have been identified or arrested at this stage.
The two shootings have left communities reeling and renewed questions over gun violence and the availability of high-powered firearms. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi acknowledged the fear and distrust among community members while highlighting the measures being taken by authorities. Lesufi said that while the deployment of the army had been welcomed by some communities, more capacity was needed to address violent crime.
Key points
- At least 27 people were killed in the shootings.
- The shootings occurred in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
- The police are still searching for the suspects responsible for the attacks.