South Africa Mass Shooting Death Toll Rises to 28

South African authorities have increased the death toll from two mass shootings that occurred over the weekend to 28, following the death of an additional victim in hospital.

The first shooting took place Saturday night in the Wedela township, near Johannesburg, where 17 people were initially reported dead. Police stated that gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles entered a tavern, firing at patrons both inside and outside before fleeing in two vehicles. During the attack, two cars were set on fire outside the establishment.

Authorities confirmed on Monday that one more victim from the Wedela shooting had died, bringing the total fatalities from that incident to 18. Of the deceased in Wedela, two were South African nationals and two were from Lesotho. Police have identified the injured victims in the hospital, noting that five sustained critical upper-body wounds while the others are in stable condition.

Approximately four hours after the Wedela shooting, another incident occurred at a store in the Lwandle township, near Cape Town. In this attack, 10 people were killed and 11 others were injured. Police are searching for multiple suspects in connection with the Lwandle shooting.

South Africa has grappled with high rates of violent crime for years. These weekend shootings have caused particular alarm in a country accustomed to some of the world's highest homicide rates. A team of detectives and members of the South African Defence Force are investigating both shootings. No arrests have been made to date.