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Gunmen kill at least 27 people in separate mass shootings in South Africa
France 24 • • world
Key Points:
- At least 27 people were killed in two mass shootings in South Africa's Johannesburg and Cape Town, with 17 killed at a bar in Wedela near Johannesburg and 10 at a barbecue venue outside Cape Town, police reported.
- The Johannesburg shooting involved eight gunmen armed with assault rifles and pistols, possibly linked to a turf war over illegal gold mining, while the Cape Town attack may have been motivated by business jealousy related to alcohol sales.
- No suspects have been arrested in either shooting, but police have gathered clear images of the Johannesburg attackers and are investigating possible retaliation linked to a previous shooting at the same tavern.
- South Africa continues to face high levels of gun violence, with around 60 murders daily, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to vow intensified security efforts to reduce criminality and violence.
- Recent violent incidents include a house party shooting in Durban killing 11 people and a series of murders targeting women in Johannesburg, with police offering substantial rewards for information leading to arrests.
