South African police investigate shootings that killed 27 near Johannesburg and Cape Town
Police in South Africa are investigating two separate shootings that killed 17 people at a tavern near Johannesburg and 10 at a venue outside Cape Town. No arrests had been made, while investigators examined possible links to illegal-mining gangs in one case and a business dispute in the other.
South African police were investigating two separate shootings that killed 27 people within hours of each other, as officials examined possible links to illegal mining and a business dispute. In Wedela township, about 80 kilometres from Johannesburg, 17 people were killed and 15 injured when attackers armed with AK-47 rifles opened fire at a tavern at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, police said.
The provincial police commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, said one line of inquiry was that the shooting could have been linked to a turf war among illegal miners. Residents said gangs involved in illicit gold mining operated in the area. Mthombeni also said the attack might have been retaliation for a shooting at the same tavern about a month earlier.
Soldiers and police pathologists were at the scene, where two burnt vehicles were visible. No arrests had been reported in connection with the shooting, and officials continued to investigate the circumstances and motive. In Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town, gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat at about 2 a.m.
on Sunday. Ten people were killed and 11 injured, according to police. An eyewitness video showed people gathered outdoors before gunfire triggered panic.
A police official said business jealousy could have been a possible motive. Police were examining reports that customers bought alcohol at cheaper outlets and then went to the venue to drink. Detectives were searching for the attackers, and no arrests had been announced.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee said South Africa faced a serious illegal-firearms problem, with guns frequently used by organised criminal groups and gangs. He said mass shootings required investigation of wider criminal networks as well as the immediate perpetrators. Violent crime is expected to be a major issue in November’s municipal elections.
The shootings came after another attack near Durban in which 11 people were killed at a house party, while the discovery of women’s bodies near Johannesburg has also fuelled concern over violent crime.
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