South Africa Launches Manhunt After Over 30 Killed in Three Separate Shootings

Police in South Africa have launched an urgent manhunt following three separate overnight shootings that left more than 30 people dead, highlighting the nation's escalating crisis with violent crime.

In the township of Wedela in West Rand District outside Johannesburg, a shooting on Saturday evening left 17 people dead and 15 wounded. According to police, eight unidentified men armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles opened fire on patrons drinking outside a tavern before entering the establishment to continue the attack. The assailants also searched some victims and stole their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.

Separately, in Lwandle, a township in the Western Cape, 10 people were shot and killed at an entertainment venue early Sunday morning. Five victims died at the scene, while five others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Lieutenant General Sizkhele William Dyantyi stated that a business dispute and rivalry regarding cheaper alcohol sales is being investigated as a possible motive, though no arrests have been made.

In a third incident in the Western Cape township of Khayelitsha, a quadruple murder is under investigation following a shooting on Saturday evening. Three men were found dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, while a fourth victim died after being transported to a medical facility. Police have not yet identified a suspect or established a motive for this attack.

Experts note that mass shootings are on the rise in South Africa, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities. These violent incidents follow recent attacks, including an 11-person mass shooting south of Durban, and occur amidst broader concerns regarding organized crime, gang violence, and a high national murder rate.