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Two mass shootings in South Africa have left at least 27 people dead, police said on Sunday.
The SA Police Service reported that 17 people were fatally shot in an attack at a bar to the west of Johannesburg on Saturday night.
“It is alleged that patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside,” the force said in a statement.
“The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside. The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles,” the statement continued. “Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident”.
It added that 13 men and four women were killed in the shooting, which took place at around 9:30 pm.
Local police have launched an investigation into the incident, with detectives and specialised units deployed to track the suspects. No arrests have so far been made.
In a separate incident, 10 people were killed and 11 were injured in a shooting in Lwandle, just outside Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to the SA Police Service.
“Official police reports indicate that gunmen entered an entertainment place that also sells braaied meat (shisanyama) at approximately 01:46 and shot at patrons,” the service said.
“As a consequence, five individuals died on the scene while five others succumbed to injuries sustained after being transported to medical facilities. Eleven others are receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained,” its statement continued.
Local police have opened investigations into murder and attempted murder. The identities of the victims are to be released after their next of kin are informed.