South African police have opened investigations and launched a manhunt after two separate mass shootings killed 27 people within hours of each other.
In Wedela township, west of Johannesburg, gunmen carrying assault rifles opened fire at a tavern, killing 17 people and injuring 15 others.
Investigators are examining whether the Wedela attack may have been connected to rivalry or retaliation involving illegal mining, an industry associated with violent competition in parts of the country.
Hours later, another shooting at a grilled-meat venue in Lwandle near Cape Town killed 10 people and left 11 wounded.
Police said a business rivalry was among the possible motives being considered in the Lwandle case, although the inquiries remained at an early stage.
No arrests had been announced by Sunday, and authorities appealed for information that could help identify the attackers and establish the sequence of events.
The killings have renewed concern about violent crime in South Africa as political parties prepare to contest local elections scheduled for November.
Source: Reuters, September 27, 2026.
Featured photo: Simon Hurry/Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
