27 killed in 2 separate deadly mass shootings in South Africa

Johannesburg: South Africa witnessed two mass shootings within hours in Johannesburg and Cape Town, leaving 27 people dead and 26 others injured, adding to growing concerns over the country’s severe gun violence.

The first attack took place on Saturday evening at a bar near Johannesburg, where a group of eight gunmen opened fire on people inside and outside the premises. Seventeen people, including 13 men and four women, were killed, while 15 others sustained injuries. The attackers reportedly set two vehicles on fire before fleeing the scene.

Police said the Johannesburg shooting may have been linked to revenge for a killing reported last month. Investigators have obtained information and images that could help identify those responsible, but no arrests have been made so far.

Hours later, another shooting occurred outside an entertainment venue near Cape Town in the early hours of Sunday. Ten people were killed, and 11 were injured. Five victims died at the scene, while another five succumbed after being taken to the hospital.

The attacks came only days after a separate shooting at a house in KwaMakhutha township near Durban left 11 people dead. No arrests have been reported in any of the three incidents.

South Africa, home to around 62 million people, has one of the world’s highest homicide rates, with an average of about 60 killings reported every day. The widespread availability of illegal firearms and gang violence remains a major driver of violent crime, often intersecting with drug trafficking and illegal mining. Authorities have deployed soldiers alongside police in crime-prone areas as part of efforts to contain escalating violence.