Yasmin Bilal
It was meant to be a perfect Saturday night, with people gathering, food being served and drinks flowing as patrons settled into the evening.
But the weekend vibes were shattered by gunfire at two separate entertainment venues, leaving 27 people dead and 26 others wounded.
The first shooting happened at about 9.30 pm last night at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, near Carletonville on the West Rand.
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men following the attack.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, who compiled the police report, patrons were drinking inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived and opened fire on those outside.
“The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,” Sibeko said.
The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles.
Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
A total of 17 people, comprising 13 males and four females, were shot and killed. Emergency Medical Services declared all 17 victims dead at the scene.
Fifteen other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to medical facilities for further treatment.
Sibeko said the motive for the shooting was unknown at this stage.
Gauteng police have mobilised a team of detectives and other specialised units to trace and apprehend the suspects.
Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious property damage. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
In a separate shooting, 10 people were killed and 11 others wounded at an entertainment venue in Lwandle in the Western Cape in the early hours of this morning.
The shooting happened at about 1.46am when gunmen opened fire on patrons at the venue, which also sells braaied meat.
Five people were killed at the scene, while another five later died after being transported to medical facilities. Eleven other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were receiving treatment.
Western Cape police have established a multidisciplinary team led by serious violent crime detectives to investigate the shooting and trace those responsible.
No arrests had been made when police issued their update, and the motive had not been established.
Lwandle police have opened murder and attempted murder cases.
Police management has increased deployments in the area while the investigation continues.
The identities of those killed will be released once their next of kin have been informed.
Anyone with information that could assist either investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.