South Africa Hit by Two More Mass Shootings Leaving 27 Dead

UPDATE - follow-up to Separate mass shootings in South Africa townships leave at least 27 people dead: Two fresh mass shootings near South Africa's largest cities left at least 27 people dead over the weekend, according to police statements released on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Wedela Attack

The South African Police Service reported that 17 people died on Saturday night when eight suspects carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire at a bar in Wedela township, located southwest of Johannesburg. At least 15 other people suffered gunshot injuries in this specific attack.

Lwandle Attack

In a separate incident around 1 a.m. on Sunday, another 10 people were killed during a mass shooting at a store in Lwandle, which is near Cape Town. Another 11 individuals were wounded in that shooting, and police stated they are searching for multiple suspects.

Recent Context

These two events follow a previous attack days earlier near Durban where three gunmen killed 11 people at a house party, including a pregnant woman. Police confirmed that no arrests had been made in connection with the two latest mass shootings. While South Africa deals with high rates of violent crime overall, this recent series of mass attacks has shocked the country.