# Mass shootings and security crackdown in South Africa > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mass-shootings-in-south-africa > Updated: 2026-09-29T05:08:54.000Z. Sources: 256. Developments: 3. In late September 2026, South Africa experienced two major mass shootings in separate townships. The first attack occurred at a bar in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, where gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols killed 18 people—including 13 men and four women—and injured 15 others. During the Wedela attack, suspects reportedly stole mobile phones and set two vehicles on fire before fleeing. Investigators are exploring potential links to illegal gold mining turf wars involving ‘zama zamas’ or retaliation for a previous incident at the same venue. A second attack took place in the early hours of Sunday at an entertainment venue and eatery in Lwandle, near Cape Town, resulting in 10 deaths and 11 injuries. Authorities are investigating possible business rivalries as a motive for this second massacre. In response to the Wedela shooting, the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched ‘Operation Prosper’ in a joint effort with the South African National Defence Force. This security crackdown resulted in the arrest of 121 suspects allegedly linked to illegal mining syndicates. During the operation, authorities seized five firearms, including an AK-47, as well as gold-bearing material and specialized extraction equipment. Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni noted that mining-related turf wars remain a strong possibility for the motive. Following the violence, ActionSA president Herman Mashaba criticized the government, alleging a failure to act against illegal immigrants involved in illicit mining on the West Rand. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, stating that such criminality must be brought down. ## Claims - The discovery brings the total number of women found dead in the Ekurhuleni municipality to ten over the past two months. (disputed by 30 sources) - At least 27 people were killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings in South African townships. (disputed by 21 sources) - No suspects have been arrested as of the latest reports. (disputed by 6 sources) - The combined death toll from both mass shootings reached 28. (disputed by 5 sources) - The 11th body was found just hours after police arrested a suspect linked to the 10th victim, who was discovered on Saturday in Tembisa. (disputed by 3 sources) - The body was found at a cemetery and was partially or semi-naked. (corroborated by 29 sources) - Police confirmed the discovery of a woman's body in the Tembisa township of Ekurhuleni on Saturday, September 26, 2026. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Suspects at the tavern reportedly stole mobile phones and valuables before fleeing in two vehicles and setting two cars on fire. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Eight unidentified suspects armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols were involved in the Wedela attack. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The first shooting occurred at a bar in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, killing 17 people. (corroborated by 24 sources) - Gender-based violence has been declared a national disaster in South Africa. (corroborated by 18 sources) - At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa. (corroborated by 18 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: South African police arrest 121 suspects after deadly tavern shooting South African police arrested 121 suspected illegal miners during a major operation following a deadly tavern shooting in Gauteng that left 17 people dead and 15 wounded. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-african-police-arrest-121-suspects-after-deadly-tavern-shooting ### 2026-09-28: South Africa mass shootings leave 28 dead in two separate attacks Two mass shootings in South Africa near Johannesburg and Cape Town left 28 people dead and 26 injured over a single weekend. Police are investigating links to organized crime and illegal mining. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-mass-shootings-leave-at-least-27-dead-3 ### 2026-09-26: South Africa mass shootings leave 27 dead in two separate attacks Two mass shootings in South African townships near Johannesburg and Cape Town have left at least 27 dead and 26 injured. Police are hunting suspects following the deadly weekend attacks. 234 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ekurhuleni-police-investigate-discovery-of-10th-womans-body-in-tembisa --- Cite as: Mass shootings and security crackdown in South Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mass-shootings-in-south-africa