Story perspectives

Death Toll Rises to 28 After Weekend Mass Shootings

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 5:56 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Gunmen Terrorize Townships

Police said the death toll from two weekend mass shootings rose to 28.
Gunmen with AK-47 rifles opened fire at a Wedela township tavern, killing 18.
In Lwandle township near Cape Town, gunmen killed 10 people at an entertainment-linked store.
Police suspect the Wedela attack is linked to a turf war over illegal gold-mining.
Police have made no arrests and have identified injured victims, five of whom are critically wounded.

Summary

Ramaphosa Deploys Troops

President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed soldiers for a year-long operation targeting crime hotspots.
Over 2,000 troops were sent to high-crime zones around Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu was placed on leave after alleged links to a criminal syndicate.
Critics argue the deployment reflects police failure and raises militarisation concerns.
The Madlanga commission holds televised hearings probing police corruption and criminality.

History

Historical Context

On 16 August 2012 the South African Police Service shot 34 striking Lonmin miners at Marikana, injuring 78, prompting President Jacob Zuma to send the army to the platinum belt later that month. The violence set a precedent for security responses to mining disputes, a pattern echoed today by police crackdowns on illegal gold-mining clashes in Wedela and Lwandle.

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Gunmen Terrorize Townships

Police said the death toll from two weekend mass shootings rose to 28.
Gunmen with AK-47 rifles opened fire at a Wedela township tavern, killing 18.
In Lwandle township near Cape Town, gunmen killed 10 people at an entertainment-linked store.
Police suspect the Wedela attack is linked to a turf war over illegal gold-mining.
Police have made no arrests and have identified injured victims, five of whom are critically wounded.

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