Two Mass Shootings in South African Townships Leave 27 Dead
South Africa faces rising violence as two mass shootings in townships kill 27. Police investigate amid growing concerns over gun crime.
POLICY WIRE — Cape Town, South Africa — Two separate mass shootings in South African townships have left at least 27 people dead, according to police reports. The attacks occurred within a few hours of each other, raising alarm over the country’s ongoing struggle with violent crime.
The first incident took place late Saturday night near Johannesburg, where eight armed assailants opened fire on patrons at a bar in Wedela township. At least 17 people were killed, including 13 men and four women, while 15 others were injured. The attackers used AK-47 rifles and pistols, and after shooting outside the bar, they moved inside before fleeing in two vehicles.
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About four hours later, another mass shooting occurred in Lwandle township near Cape Town, killing 10 people and wounding 11. Police are still searching for multiple suspects. This comes just five days after a similar attack in KwaMakhutha township near Durban that claimed 11 lives, including a pregnant woman. South Africa has long faced high levels of violent crime, but recent incidents have drawn increased concern due to the increasing frequency of mass shootings.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
