South Africa police hunt suspects after three shootings leave more than 30 people dead

(CNN) — Police are hunting for suspects after three separate shootings overnight in South Africa left more than 30 people dead, as the country grapples with a spate of violent crime.

South African police launched a manhunt Sunday after 17 people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting in the township of Wedela in West Rand District outside Johannesburg.

Police said eight unidentified men opened fire on patrons drinking outside a tavern on Saturday evening local time, before they entered the establishment and “continued shooting at patrons inside.”

The alleged assailants were reportedly armed with pistols and AK-47 rifles, officers said.

“It is alleged that patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside. The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,” South Africa police wrote on X. The attackers allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles.

Separately, 10 people were shot and killed at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, a township in the Western Cape, South Africa, early Sunday morning, police said.

Police reports indicate that gunmen entered early on Sunday local time and fired at patrons. Five people died at the scene while five others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

A manhunt to find the suspects has been launched. No arrests have yet been made, according to police.

The police commissioner said a business dispute was a possible motive.

“It seems that there’s business rivalry, business jealousy that might have been there the issue because of the people are buying alcohol maybe at cheaper places and they come and drink in this place. But we are still investigating that.” Lieutenant General Sizkhele William Dyantyi said.

Also in Western Cape, police said they are investigating a quadruple murder following a shooting incident in the township of Khayelitsha at approximately 7.15 p.m. Saturday evening.

Three men with multiple gunshot wounds were found at the scene. Two of the victims were discovered inside a vehicle, while the third victim was found next to the vehicle. They were declared deceased at the scene, police said.

A fourth victim was who had also sustained gunshot wounds was taken to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries upon arrival, according to the police statement.

A suspect has not yet been identified or arrested, and police have not yet established a motive.

Crime on the rise

While violent crime has been a long-standing issue in South Africa, experts say that the rate of mass shootings is on the rise. They often impact people from the country’s poorest communities.

Last week 11 people, including a woman believed to be pregnant, were killed when gunmen opened fire at a house south of the city of Durban.

The latest police figures show that an average of 58 people were murdered each day in South Africa between January and March.

The violence has also left women particularly fearful. In recent weeks, the discovery of the bodies of 10 women in parts of Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, has caused widespread alarm. Several of the bodies were found near roads or in open areas, and police are investigating whether some of the deaths are connected.

South Africa is also battling powerful criminal networks involved in drugs, extortion, illegal mining and gang violence. The 2025 Africa Organized Crime Index says cocaine from South America passes through the country on its way to other parts of the world.

Organized crime has also become an issue within the country’s police leadership. Police minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on leave last year after accusations that he had links to a criminal syndicate and interfered with police investigations. He has denied the allegations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in February that organized crime was “the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development.”

Ramaphosa announced that soldiers would be deployed to support police in tackling gang violence, as the government steps up its fight against criminal syndicates.

This story has been updated with new developments.

Nimi Princewill contributed reporting.

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