At least 27 people have been killed and more than 20 others wounded in two separate shootings in South African townships, according to police.

The first shooting occurred late Saturday in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, where at least 17 people were killed and 15 others injured at a tavern in Gauteng province.

Police said eight suspects were being sought and were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. No arrests had been announced, and investigators had not determined a motive for the attack.

The shooting began at about 9:30 p.m. in Extension 3, Wedela, in the West Rand district. According to police, gunmen opened fire on people gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot.

Investigators said some customers were searched during the attack and had their mobile phones taken. The suspects then fled in two vehicles, while two other vehicles were set on fire.

Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said detectives and specialist police units had been assigned to identify and locate the suspects. Police opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases and two cases involving damage to property.

In a separate incident early Sunday, gunmen killed at least 10 people and wounded another 11 at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town.

Police said multiple suspects were being sought in connection with the second shooting, which occurred shortly after midnight.

The two attacks came only days after another mass shooting near Durban, where 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed at a house party.

South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime involving firearms, with authorities under sustained pressure to improve public safety, particularly in major urban areas.

Investigations into both shootings remain ongoing, and police have not announced any arrests.

SOURCE: Al Jazeera Staff and AFP, September 27, 2026.