Mass shootings in South Africa are becoming alarmingly frequent. Nearly 40 people lost their lives in such incidents across three major cities this week.
On Saturday night, a shooting at a shisanyama near Cape Town resulted in at least 10 deaths and 11 injuries. Simultaneously, 17 people were killed at a township tavern near Johannesburg by men wielding AK-47s, according to police.
The attackers reportedly searched patrons and took cellphones before fleeing in two vehicles. Police have not identified a motive for these attacks.
Earlier this week, 11 people, including a pregnant woman, died in Durban during another mass shooting at a house party, with unclear motives, though some attendees were known to authorities.
Illegal weapons are widespread, often linked to gangs and organized crime involving illegal gold mining activities known as “zama-zamas.” Turf wars between such groups have sparked previous shootings, such as the June incident in Johannesburg where 12 people perished in an informal settlement.
South Africa ranks among the highest global murder rates, averaging 60 murders daily. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes organized crime as a dire threat, deploying the army in affected regions. Crime has become a crucial topic as local elections approach in November.
Despite criticisms from President Trump focusing on farm murders, statistics show poor Black individuals are predominantly affected by crime. Moreover, protests are ongoing due to rising femicides, highlighted by the discovery of a tenth woman’s body recently.
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