South African police have launched a manhunt for gunmen after two separate mass shootings in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces left at least 27 people dead and 26 others wounded.
The attacks occurred at entertainment venues in the two provinces, with police yet to establish a motive or announce any arrests.
In Gauteng, 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded when gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The shooting took place at about 9:30 p.m. Police said emergency medical personnel found 13 men and four women dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the attackers were allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The gunmen reportedly first opened fire on customers gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing the attack.
Fifteen people who sustained gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities for treatment. Police said no arrests had been made and that investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
In a separate incident in the Western Cape, 10 people were killed and 11 others wounded in an early-morning shooting at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, a township outside Cape Town.
Police said the gunmen entered the venue at about 1:46 a.m. and opened fire on patrons. Five of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining fatalities were recorded as the emergency response and investigation continued.
The two attacks have renewed concerns over deadly gun violence in South Africa, where shootings at taverns and other entertainment venues have previously resulted in multiple casualties.
Police have not disclosed a possible motive for either attack. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shootings, identify the perpetrators and determine whether the incidents were connected.
