Deadly shootings leave dozens dead in South African bar attacks

Late Saturday, September 26, 2026, a deadly shooting occurred at a tavern in the Wedela settlement, southwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. Eight unidentified gunmen, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and pistols, stormed the bar around 21:30 local time. The attackers reportedly searched some patrons and confiscated their mobile phones before opening fire indiscriminately, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others. Local police have launched an extensive manhunt to locate the suspects, though the motives for the attack remain unclear.

In a separate incident during the same night, another armed attack took place at a venue in Luandle, near Cape Town, at approximately 01:46 on Sunday. This attack resulted in at least 10 deaths and 11 injuries. Authorities are currently investigating both mass shootings. While the incidents occurred hours apart in different regions, they have collectively claimed at least 27 lives and left 26 people injured, prompting widespread alarm across the country.