Johannesburg, South Africa — South African police have launched investigations and manhunts following three separate shooting incidents that left more than 30 people dead and several others injured across the country over the weekend, raising fresh concerns about escalating gun violence and organised crime.
The deadliest attack occurred on Saturday evening in Wedela, a township in the West Rand District outside Johannesburg, where at least 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded after gunmen opened fire on patrons at a tavern.
According to police, eight unidentified suspects, reportedly armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles, arrived at the establishment and began shooting at people drinking outside before entering the premises and continuing the attack.
In a statement published on X, South African police said the attackers allegedly searched some patrons and stole their mobile phones before escaping in two unidentified vehicles.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, but no arrests have been reported in connection with the attack.
The shooting has added to growing concerns over deadly attacks on public establishments and the vulnerability of residents in communities already affected by violent crime.
Ten killed in separate shooting in Western Cape
In another deadly incident, 10 people were shot dead at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, a township in South Africa’s Western Cape province, early Sunday morning.
Police said gunmen entered the venue and opened fire on patrons. Five victims died at the scene, while five others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
A manhunt has been launched to track down those responsible, with no arrests made as of the latest police reports.
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Sizkhele William Dyantyi said investigators were considering business rivalry as a possible motive for the attack.
“It seems that there’s business rivalry, business jealousy that might have been there the issue because of the people are buying alcohol maybe at cheaper places and they come and drink in this place. But we are still investigating that,” Dyantyi said.
Police have yet to establish a definitive motive as investigations continue.
Four killed in Khayelitsha shooting
Meanwhile, police in the Western Cape are investigating a quadruple murder following another shooting in Khayelitsha at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Three men with multiple gunshot wounds were found dead at the scene. Two of the victims were discovered inside a vehicle, while the third was found beside it.
A fourth victim, who had also sustained gunshot wounds, was rushed to a medical facility but died upon arrival.
Police have not identified any suspects or made arrests, and the motive for the killings remains unknown.
The three incidents bring the weekend’s reported death toll to at least 31 people, with 15 others wounded in the Wedela attack alone.
Rising concerns over mass shootings
The latest killings have intensified concerns about South Africa’s persistent violent crime problem, particularly the growing frequency of mass shootings that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
The attacks came just days after 11 people, including a woman believed to be pregnant, were killed when gunmen opened fire at a house south of Durban.
Official police statistics released in May 2026 showed that an average of 58 people were murdered daily in South Africa between January and March.
The country has also been shaken by the recent discovery of the bodies of 10 women in different parts of Johannesburg. Some of the bodies were found near roads and in open areas, prompting police investigations into whether the deaths could be connected.
The killings have renewed public concern over violence against women and the wider security challenges facing the country.
Organised crime poses major challenge
South Africa is also grappling with powerful criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, extortion, illegal mining and gang violence.
The 2025 Africa Organised Crime Index identified South Africa as part of international cocaine trafficking routes, with cocaine originating in South America passing through the country en route to other destinations.
The challenge has also extended to the country’s law enforcement leadership. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on leave in July 2025 following allegations of links to a criminal syndicate and interference in police investigations. Mchunu has denied the allegations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described organised crime as a major threat to the country’s stability and development.
In his February 2026 State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa said organised crime was “the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development.”
He also announced plans to deploy soldiers to support police operations against gang violence as the government intensifies its efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
With suspects still at large in the latest shootings, authorities face renewed pressure to identify those responsible, bring them to justice and strengthen security in communities affected by persistent violence.
