South African police have launched a manhunt following three separate overnight shootings that left over 30 people dead across the country.
The bloodiest incident occurred on Saturday evening in Wedela township, West Rand District. Eight unidentified men armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on patrons drinking outside a local tavern before moving inside to continue shooting.
The attack resulted in 17 deaths and left 15 others wounded. The assailants robbed several patrons of their mobile phones and fled in two vehicles. In the Western Cape, two additional shootings were reported.
At an entertainment venue in Lwandle township, gunmen opened fire early Sunday morning, leaving 10 people dead—five at the scene and five after being rushed to the hospital.
Police stated that business rivalry within the alcohol trade is being investigated as a potential motive. Nearby in Khayelitsha, police are investigating a separate quadruple murder after four men were fatally shot on Saturday evening.
These incidents highlight a surge in mass violence across South Africa, following another attack last week south of Durban that claimed 11 lives. Law enforcement authorities have mobilized specialized units to identify and apprehend those responsible.