At Least 17 Killed, 15 Wounded After Gunmen Open Fire At South Africa Bar

Last Updated:September 27, 2026, 1:17 PM IST

Among those killed were 13 men and four women, police said. The motive behind the attack was not immediately known.

A police officer stands at the scene of a mass shooting at a house party in KwaMakhutha township south of the city of Durban, South Africa, onSeptember 23, 2026. (AP)

Eight gunmen armed with assault rifles opened fire at a bar west of Johannesburg, killing 17 people and leaving 15 others wounded, police said on Sunday. The shooting is the latest mass-casualty attack in crime-hit South Africa.

The incident took place at around 1930 GMT on Saturday, according to police. After the shooting, the attackers allegedly searched some of the patrons and took their mobile phones before escaping.

“They allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing the scene in two unidentified motor vehicles,” police said.

Among those killed were 13 men and four womenpolice said. The motive behind the attack was not immediately known.

Police also said the suspects set two vehicles on fire before fleeing the area.

“Police have mobilised a team of detectives and other specialised units to trace and apprehend the suspects,” they said.

Meanwhile, 10 people were killed and 11 others wounded in a separate shooting at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town early on Sunday.

Shootings are frequent in South Africa, where both legal and illegal firearms are widely available. Gang rivalries and competition among informal businesses are often linked to such violence.

South Africa, with a population of around 62 million, has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Around 60 people are killed in the country each day.

In March, soldiers were deployed to violence hotspots in Johannesburg to assist police in tackling crime. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described rampant crime as one of the biggest threats facing the country.

(With inputs from AFP)

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What happened during the bar shooting west of Johannesburg?

Eight gunmen armed with assault rifles opened fire at a bar west of Johannesburg at around 1930 GMT on Saturday, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others. The attackers also searched some patrons, stole their mobile phones, and set two vehicles on fire before escaping.

What were the casualties and details of the separate shooting near Cape Town?

In a separate shooting at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town early on Sunday, 10 people were killed and 11 others were wounded.

What factors contribute to the high frequency of mass shootings in South Africa?

Shootings are frequent because both legal and illegal firearms are widely available in the country, with violence often linked to gang rivalries and informal business competition. South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, averaging around 60 killings per day.

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Aanchal SinhaSub Editor

Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More

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