South Africa is investigating two separate deadly shootings that killed at least 27 people and injured 26 others within a few hours, with police searching for the suspects involved in both attacks.
The first shooting took place late Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela township, in Gauteng’s West Rand, about 80 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. According to South African police, armed suspects opened fire on people inside and outside the tavern at around 9:30 p.m.
Police said 17 people were killed, including 13 men and four women, while another 15 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities. Authorities said the suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some victims and took their mobile phones before escaping in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were also on fire.
Police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified suspects in connection with the Wedela attack. The motive has not been officially established, and no arrests had been announced in the latest police update. Investigators have opened murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property cases.
A second shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Lwandle, near Cape Town, where gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue. Police said 10 people were killed and 11 others were injured in the attack. Multiple suspects were being sought, while the motive remained under investigation.
The two attacks happened only days after another shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed at a house party, adding to concerns over a recent series of deadly gun attacks in the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the latest violence and said the country’s security forces would continue efforts to tackle serious criminal activity. Police investigations into both shootings remain ongoing.
This story is based on information available from South African police and reports published on September 27–28, 2026. Details may change as investigations continue.