At least 17 killed in South Africa shooting, police hunt for eight suspects - Al Jazeera
At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in South African townships over the weekend. Police are currently searching for eight suspects armed with high-powered rifles following the attacks in Wedela and Lwandle.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a surge in violent crime and mass shooting events in South Africa, raising concerns about public safety and law enforcement capabilities.
Incidents in Wedela southwest of Johannesburg and Lwandle near Cape Town come days after Durban mass shooting.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Jump to Previous Slide Jump to Next Slide The site of a deadly shooting at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg [Oupa Nkosi/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 At least 27 people have been killed and more than 20 wounded in two shootings in two South African townships, according to police.
In the first incident late on Saturday, at least 17 people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting at a tavern in Wedela southwest of Johannesburg.
Police said they were searching for eight suspects, who were “reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols”. The motive for the shooting remained unknown, and no arrests were announced.
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