South Africa Counts 27 Dead After Two Separate Mass Shootings

South Africa has been hit by two mass shootings just hour apart, leaving 27 people dead and at least 26 others injured, in another deadly episode of gun violence. The first attack took place near Johannesburg on Saturday evening, when eight gunmen reportedly stormed a bar, opening fire on people outside before continuing the attack inside. Seventeen people 13 men and four women were killed, while 15 other were injured. The attackers also set two vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene. Deputy provincial police commissioner Maj Gen Fred Kekana said investigators had obtained clear images of some of the suspects and, in certain cases, had identified their names. He also said the attack could have been retaliation for an incident last month in which one person was killed and another wounded, although police had not established a confirmed motive. Hours later, another shooting occurred outside an entertainment venue in a township near Cape Town during the early hours of Sunday. Ten people were killed, with five victims dying at the scene and another five later dying in hospital. Eleven others were injured. No arrest had been reported in either shooting by Sunday morning. The attack came only days after 11 people were killed in Durban, when gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township, adding to concerns over a recent series of mass shootings across the country. South Africa has struggled with high levels of violent crime and gun related killings for decade. With a population of around 62 million, the country records roughly 60 murders a day, while illegal fire arms remain widely available. Recent mass shootings have frequently been linked to gang conflicts, including disputes connected to drug trafficking and illegal mining. However, authorities have not publicly established a common motive connecting the latest attacks. In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa democracy, society and economic development. Earlier this year, the government also deployed the military alongside police in areas experiencing some of the country highest murder rate in an effort to tackle armed violence. The latest shootings have once again put the country's long-running struggle with gun violence under scrutiny, while investigations continue to establish who was responsible and what triggered the attacks.