At least 27 people have been killed in two mass shootings in South Africa, police said on Sunday.
First, police in the city of Johannesburg investigated the case of a shooting at a bar west of the city on Saturday evening, when eight shooters in assault rifles entered the place and opened fire.
They left behind 17 people dead and 15 injured, including 13 men and four women. Police said the shooters first shot 10 men who were drinking outside, then entered the bar and continued the shooting. The attackers also set two cars on fire before escaping. The police have yet to arrest anyone, saying that they do not know the motives of the shooters.
Few hours later, another shooting happened in an entertainment spot in a township outside Cape Town. Ten people were killed and 11 more were injured in the attack. According to police, five of the victims died on the spot, and five more died on their way to the hospital. The police said that no suspects were detained in the attack.
The recent shootings are part of South Africa’s ongoing problem with gun violence, which authorities have linked to gangs waging wars and battling for turf and the proliferation of illegal arms dealing.
Police in South Africa have often received military aid to assist in restoring order in regions where gangsters and killers have become a serious problem.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the deaths of 10 women in the same Johannesburg municipality over a two-month period. According to police, the latest victim was found semi-naked, and she had been stoned to death. The suspect was arrested. Police have also promised a reward of 400,000 rand ($2,640) for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murders.
