At least 27 people were killed and numerous others injured in two separate mass shootings near South Africa’s largest cities, police reported.

On Saturday night, eight armed suspects opened fire at a bar in Wedela township, located roughly 80 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. Police said the attackers used AK-47 assault rifles and pistols during the incident, resulting in 17 fatalities and at least 15 others wounded. Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the shooting or the identities of the suspects but are conducting an ongoing investigation.

In a separate incident near Cape Town, a mass shooting occurred in the Lwandle community. Police confirmed that 10 people died and another 11 were injured in that attack. Similar to the Wedela shooting, officials are searching for multiple suspects, though the exact number has not been specified.

Law enforcement agencies described both shootings as acts of mass violence and emphasized the severity of the incidents. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances and possible connections between the two events, with police actively pursuing leads to apprehend those responsible.

The violence highlights ongoing security challenges in South Africa’s urban and peri-urban areas, particularly regions marked by socioeconomic difficulties. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in solving the cases.