Wedela:South Africa: At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces, police reported on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the first incident occurred at a tavern in Wedela, located in the West Rand District of Gauteng province, on Saturday night. Seventeen people, including 13 men and four women, were fatally shot. Fifteen others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The police stated that the attack began when suspects opened fire on patrons outside the tavern before entering and continuing to shoot inside. The assailants were armed with AK-47 rifles and shotguns, and they reportedly searched some patrons for cellphones before escaping in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles parked near the tavern were set on fire. A manhunt is underway for eight unidentified armed men, and the motive for the attack remains unknown.

In a separate incident, early on Sunday, gunmen entered an entertainment venue in Lwandle, Western Cape province, and opened fire, killing 10 people. Five victims died at the scene, while the other five succumbed to their injuries after being taken to medical facilities. Eleven additional individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

Mass shootings have become more frequent in South Africa, with national crime statistics indicating an average of about 58 murders per day. In a related incident last week, gunmen killed 11 people, including a pregnant woman, and wounded three others during a late-night shooting at a home in Durban.