A South Africa bar shooting has left 17 people dead and 15 others wounded after eight gunmen reportedly opened fire at a bar west of Johannesburg.
Police said the attackers were armed with assault rifles and entered the venue on Saturday night. The shooting happened at around 7:30 p.m. local time.
Gunmen Search Patrons Before Fleeing
According to police, the gunmen allegedly searched some customers and took their cellphones before leaving the scene.
The victims included 13 men and four women, police said. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Police also reported that the suspects set two vehicles on fire before escaping in two unidentified vehicles.
Authorities have now deployed detectives and specialised police units to identify and arrest those responsible.
Another Deadly Shooting Near Cape Town
The Johannesburg-area attack came as another shooting was reported at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town.
In that separate incident, gunmen killed 10 people and wounded 11 others early Sunday.
The two attacks have renewed concerns about gun violence in South Africa, where both legal and illegal firearms are widely available.
Shootings are frequently linked to gang disputes and conflicts involving informal businesses. The country also has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with around 60 people reportedly killed each day.
Police Continue Investigation
South African authorities continue to investigate the latest attacks and are working to locate the suspects.
In March, soldiers were deployed to several violence hotspots in Johannesburg to support police operations against serious crime.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described rampant crime as one of the country’s major threats.
The latest South Africa bar shooting adds to growing concerns over deadly gun attacks and public safety across the country.
