On September 27, 2026, the South African police announced that three major shooting incidents occurred in two big cities in one night, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people.
According to a report by The Guardian, on Saturday night around 9:30 pm, a shooting took place at a bar in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg. Eight suspects armed with AK-47 assault rifles and handguns opened fire on customers outside the bar, then continued shooting inside, leading to the death of 17 people. The police reported that at least 15 others were injured in the attack.
It was reported that the attackers searched some customers, took their phones, and then fled the scene in two vehicles.
In another statement, the police reported that at 1:46 am on Sunday, a shisanyama entertainment venue selling barbecued meat in Lwandle near Western Cape province also faced a large-scale shooting incident, resulting in 10 deaths and 11 injuries.
The gunmen broke into the venue and started shooting at customers. Five people died on the spot, while another five succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The police stated that they are currently pursuing multiple suspects but did not disclose the exact number.
Police Commissioner Sizkhele William Dyantyi mentioned that commercial disputes might have been the motive behind the crimes, “It seems to be a business competition or jealousy, possibly because someone bought alcohol elsewhere and then came here to drink. But we are still investigating.”
Similarly in Western Cape province, police mentioned they are investigating a shooting incident that occurred around 7:15 pm on Saturday in Kayelitsha town, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
At the scene, three men with multiple gunshot wounds were found, with two of them dead on arrival. The fourth victim, also with gunshot wounds, was taken to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries upon arrival.
The identity of the suspects has not been determined, and no arrests have been made so far. The motive behind the crimes is also yet to be established.
These three attack incidents occurred just days after a major shooting at a family gathering near a coastal city on the east coast of Durban, where three gunmen opened fire, resulting in the death of 11 people, including a pregnant woman.
According to the authorities, no one has been arrested yet in connection with these latest three major shooting incidents.
South Africa has a high prevalence of gun violence, with around 200,000 to 300,000 cases related to gun crimes occurring annually, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, and gang-related violence. However, the series of major shooting incidents that occurred this week, even for a country accustomed to violent crimes, have been shocking.