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The death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern west of Johannesburg has risen to 18 after one more victim died in hospital, South African police have confirmed.
The attack, which occurred late Saturday in the semi-rural township of Wedela, about 80 kilometres from central Johannesburg, saw eight gunmen armed with assault rifles storm the venue and open fire, killing 13 men and four women, police said.
“One more victim has died in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to 18,” authorities said in a statement on Monday.
Read More : Dozens Killed in South Africa Shootings
Police added that only four victims had been identified so far, including two South Africans and two nationals from Lesotho.
“Only four of the deceased have been identified, two South Africans and two Lesotho nationals,” they said.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, but authorities believe the incident may be linked to criminal networks operating in the area, which has reportedly been affected by rivalry among groups involved in illegal gold mining.
Thousands of unregistered miners operate in abandoned mine shafts across South Africa, with many coming from neighbouring countries, including Lesotho. The sector has been associated with organised crime, violent disputes and other illegal activities.
The Johannesburg shooting was followed by another deadly attack on Sunday, when gunmen killed 10 people and wounded 11 others at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town.
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The incidents have renewed concerns over gun violence in South Africa, where both licensed and illegal firearms are widespread. Authorities say shootings are often linked to gang conflicts, extortion and disputes involving informal businesses.
With a population of about 62 million people, South Africa continues to record one of the world’s highest murder rates, with official figures showing an average of about 60 people killed daily.
The latest attacks add to ongoing pressure on security agencies to address organised crime, firearm circulation and violent crime across the country.
