Johannesburg: South African police have launched investigations after two separate mass shootings killed at least 27 people and injured 26 others in Gauteng and the Western Cape within hours of each other.

The first attack occurred on Saturday night in Wedela, a township in the West Rand area southwest of Johannesburg. Police said armed suspects opened fire at a tavern where people were gathered both inside and outside the premises.

Seventeen people were killed in the attack, including 13 men and four women. Another 15 people suffered gunshot injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Gunmen Opened Fire at Tavern

According to police, the attackers arrived at the tavern at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. They reportedly began shooting at people outside before entering the premises and continuing the attack inside.

Investigators said the suspects were reportedly carrying assault rifles and pistols. Police also said some patrons were searched and their mobile phones were taken before the attackers escaped in unidentified vehicles.

Two vehicles were also set on fire during the incident.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspected attackers. No arrests had been announced in connection with the shooting in the latest reports.

Second Attack Near Cape Town

Several hours later, another shooting occurred in Lwandle, on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Police said gunmen entered an entertainment venue selling grilled meat in the early hours of Sunday and opened fire on customers.

Ten people were killed in the attack. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died after being taken to medical facilities. Eleven additional people were receiving treatment for their injuries.

Police opened murder and attempted-murder investigations and began searching for the perpetrators.

Motives Have Not Been Established

Authorities have not announced a confirmed motive for either attack.

Investigators are examining several possible explanations. In the Wedela case, Gauteng police officials said one line of inquiry involved a possible dispute connected with illegal mining activity. Another possibility being examined in the Cape Town-area shooting involved competition between businesses.

These remain investigative possibilities rather than established explanations.

President Calls for Action

The shootings have renewed attention on violent crime and illegal firearms in South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger action against violent crime following the latest incidents. The attacks also came only days after another shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed.

Police and specialised investigative teams are continuing efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.

A Broader Security Challenge

South Africa has faced persistent problems involving violent crime, illegal firearms and organised criminal groups. The latest attacks have added to concerns about the ability of law-enforcement agencies to prevent heavily armed groups from carrying out attacks in public venues.

The two incidents also demonstrate how quickly mass-casualty shootings can occur in different parts of the country.

For now, investigators are concentrating on identifying the gunmen, determining their motives and establishing whether the two shootings were connected.

As the investigations continue, authorities have urged communities to cooperate with police and provide information that could help identify those responsible.