South African police are intensifying investigations into two separate mass shootings that left 27 people dead and 26 others injured in Gauteng and the Western Cape within hours of each other.
In the latest developments on Sunday, no arrests had been reported in either case, with investigators searching for those responsible for the attacks.
The first shooting happened at about 9:30pm on Saturday at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville on Gauteng’s West Rand.
Police said eight suspects, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, opened fire on patrons outside the tavern before moving inside and continuing the attack.
Seventeen people were killed, including 13 men and four women, while 15 others sustained gunshot wounds. Police said the suspects allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two vehicles. Two vehicles near the tavern were also reportedly set alight.
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for the eight suspects. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Several hours later, another deadly shooting was reported in Lwandle, near Cape Town.
Police said gunmen entered an entertainment venue that also sells braaied meat at about 1:46am on Sunday and opened fire on patrons.
Ten people were killed and 11 others injured. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later succumbed to their injuries after being taken to medical facilities.
Western Cape police have increased their deployment in Lwandle, while a multidisciplinary team led by serious violent crime detectives has been established to investigate the attack.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said murder and attempted murder cases had been opened. No arrests had been made at the time of the latest police update.
The two attacks came only days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, where the death toll has since risen to 12.
Police investigations into the latest shootings are continuing, with detectives working to identify the perpetrators and establish the circumstances and motives behind the attacks.