Pretoria: At least 27 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in two separate shooting incidents in South Africa over the weekend, local media reported on Sunday.

According to The Citizen, at least 10 people were killed and 11 others injured in a shooting at an entertainment venue in Lwandle.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said armed individuals opened fire on people attending a party in Lwandle shortly before 2 am on Sunday local time. Five people died at the scene, while five others died after being taken to hospital.

A total of 11 injured people were taken to hospital for treatment. Lwandle police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder against the suspects.

17 Killed in Shooting at Tavern Near Carletonville

In a separate incident, 17 people, including 13 men and four women, were killed and 15 others seriously injured when suspects opened fire at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville in Gauteng province, at around 9:30 pm on Saturday local time.

According to The Citizen, the suspects were carrying AK-47 rifles and handguns.

South African police are searching for at least eight wanted suspects in connection with the shooting near Carletonville.

“It is alleged that 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 the patrons inside,” The Citizen quoted Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko as saying.

After the shooting, the suspects allegedly searched customers for their mobile phones and other valuables. They then fled the scene in two vehicles and set fire to two other vehicles parked near the tavern.

Police Search Underway for Suspects

Emergency responders said 17 people died at the scene. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Sibeko said the motive behind the shooting was not known at this stage. He said Gauteng police had deployed a team of detectives and other specialised units to locate and arrest the suspects.