27 Killed in Two Mass Shootings Across South Africa

At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded in two separate mass shootings at entertainment venues across South Africa over the weekend, adding to the country's grim statistics as one of the world's highest murder rates.

The deadlier of the two attacks took place in the town of Wadela in the West Rand district of Gauteng province. According to local police reports, eight armed suspects arrived at a local tavern and launched a brutal killing spree. The gunmen first opened fire on patrons standing outside the building, then forced their way inside and continued shooting indiscriminately.

Seventeen people were killed in the attack, 13 men and four women. Another 15 people were wounded to varying degrees. After the massacre, the suspects robbed the victims of their mobile phones and fled the scene in two vehicles. Two cars at the location were also set on fire.

Police have launched a widespread manhunt for the eight suspects and opened investigation files for murder, attempted murder and property damage. No arrests have been made at this stage, and the motive for the killing spree remains unclear.

Simultaneously with the Wadela attack, a second mass shooting occurred at an entertainment complex in the town of Lwandle in the Cape Town area. Gunmen who broke into the venue killed 10 people and wounded 11 others. Following the second massacre, the Western Cape police commissioner announced the formation of a special investigation team to track down those involved. As with the first incident, the background to the attack has not yet been determined and is under intensive investigation by security forces.

Just three months ago, 12 people were killed in a mass shooting in the Cleveland neighborhood of Johannesburg. In that incident, suspects arrived in a white Toyota, entered the neighborhood from two different directions, sprayed passersby with gunfire, and fled the scene.