27 killed in two separate South Africa mass shootings; gunmen on the run

South African police are hunting the gunmen behind two mass shootings that killed 27 people and wounded 26 near Johannesburg and Cape Town within hours of each other.

No arrests have been announced. Investigators are examining whether a dispute between illegal miners was behind one attack and a business rivalry behind the other, but have not established a motive for either shooting.

Police have not reported any link between the two attacks.

The attacks came five days after gunmen killed 11 people at a house party near Durban, renewing concern over violent crime and illegal firearms in South Africa.

GUNMEN ATTACK BAR NEAR JOHANNESBURG

The first shooting took place around 9.30 pm on Saturday at a bar in Wedela township, about 80 km southwest of Johannesburg.

Eight men armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols fired at patrons outside before moving into the bar and continuing the attack, police said. Thirteen men and four women were killed, and 15 other people were injured.

The gunmen searched some patrons, took their mobile phones and fled in two vehicles, according to police. Soldiers and police pathologists arrived in Wedela on Sunday as investigators examined the scene.

Two burnt vehicles were visible nearby, but police have not said whether they are connected to the shooting.

Residents have been reluctant to speak about the attack. One said illegal gold miners, known locally as zama zamas, live in the area. Police have not established whether they were involved.

#BREAKING At least 17 people were killed and 15 others seriously wounded in a mass shooting at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, South Africa, on Saturday night.

Police said at least eight suspects armed with AK-47 rifles and handguns opened fire on patrons outside the pic.twitter.com/KDmy5rZtYo— Global OSINT (@GlobalOSINTHQ) September 27, 2026

TEN KILLED NEAR CAPE TOWN

Hours after the Wedela attack, gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat in Lwandle township, on the outskirts of Cape Town. Ten people were killed and 11 injured in the early Sunday shooting.

An eyewitness video shows people dancing and singing in a crowded outdoor area before gunshots ring out and people scream.

Police are searching for multiple suspects but have not said how many gunmen took part. An official said investigators were examining a possible business rivalry.

The official said there had been reports of people buying cheaper alcohol elsewhere and taking it to the venue to drink. Police have not established whether that was a motive.

Onlookers gathered behind police lines but declined to speak to journalists, saying they feared for their safety.

THIRD MASS SHOOTING IN FIVE DAYS

On Tuesday night, gunmen attacked a house party in KwaMakhutha township, south of Durban, killing 11 people, including a pregnant woman. Police have not announced any arrests in that case either.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Police recorded 5,427 killings between April and June, an average of nearly 60 a day.

Firearms are the most common means of killing, and authorities have long warned about the number of illegal guns in circulation.

Ramaphosa, who has described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa’s democracy and economic development, said security forces would “continue pulling out all stops” to bring down the level of violence.

The shootings come ahead of municipal elections in November, when crime is expected to be a major issue for voters.