Two separate mass shootings in South Africa, occurring just hours apart, have left 27 people dead, authorities said on Saturday. Police have opened investigations into both incidents as the country reels from the latest outbreak of gun violence.
Details about the locations and circumstances of the attacks were limited as investigations were under way. Law enforcement agencies said they were treating the deaths as part of a broader problem of organised and gang-related violence but did not immediately release information about suspects or motives.
The shootings come amid long-standing concerns over high levels of violent crime in parts of South Africa, where gangs and organised criminal networks have been linked to numerous attacks involving firearms. Government and police efforts to curb such violence have repeatedly faced criticism for failing to stem killings and illegal weapons flows.
Analysts and community leaders have warned that episodes like these are likely to inflame public anxiety and intensify calls for more effective policing, criminal justice responses and interventions to tackle the social drivers of gang activity. For now, investigators said they would continue gathering evidence and that more details would be provided as inquiries progress.