At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, with police launching investigations and manhunts for the attackers.
The first shooting occurred on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. Police said 17 people, including 13 men and four women, were killed and 15 others wounded.
According to police, the attackers were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They reportedly opened fire on people outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing the shooting.
The suspects allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before fleeing in two vehicles, which police said were later set on fire. No arrests had been announced, and the motive remained unknown.
A second shooting occurred early Sunday at an entertainment venue in Lwandle township outside Cape Town. Police said 10 people were killed and 11 others wounded in that attack.
The two incidents came only days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, near Durban, where 11 people were killed at a house party. Police said three armed men were believed to have carried out that attack and launched a manhunt.
South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime and gun-related attacks. Police have increasingly linked some shootings to gang disputes and competition involving criminal networks, although investigators have not yet established a motive for the latest incidents.
Authorities have deployed detectives and specialised police units to identify and apprehend those responsible for the two latest shootings. Investigators are also expected to examine possible links between the attacks, although no such connection has been established publicly.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about firearm-related crime in South Africa, where authorities continue to face pressure to strengthen policing and address organised criminal activity.
Police said investigations into both shootings remain ongoing, while the number of arrests and the identities of the suspects had not been announced at the time of reporting.