President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged a decisive security response after a spate of mass shootings that left dozens dead in KwaZulu‑Natal and Gauteng last week, saying authorities must pull out “all stops” to bring down levels of violent crime.
Deaths in multiple attacks
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that following an attack at a tavern in Wedela near Carletonville, at roughly 21:30 on Saturday, 13 males and four females were confirmed dead and a further 15 people were seriously injured. Police reported the suspects were armed with AK‑47s and handguns and that victims were searched for cellphones and valuables after the shooting.
Earlier in the week, in KwaMakhutha south of Durban, gunmen opened fire at a private gathering in the Ziko area, killing 11 people and injuring three others. Among those killed was a pregnant woman, according to reporting on that incident. Separately, a shooting at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Strand in the Western Cape, resulted in 10 deaths and 11 injuries.
| Location | Date | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedela (near Carletonville) | Saturday evening | 17 | 15 |
| KwaMakhutha (Ziko area) | 22 September (night) | 11 | 3 |
| Lwandle (near Strand) | Early Sunday | 10 | 11 |
Government response and investigation update
Speaking to the media in Ekurhuleni, President Ramaphosa said violence and criminality were spreading and that the clear instruction to security forces was to reduce those levels. He indicated technology had been used to identify images of suspects in at least one attack and that police were pursuing leads.
“This is the level of criminality that we must bring down, and our security forces are now going to continue pulling out all stops,” Ramaphosa said.
SAPS were reported to be searching for at least eight suspects in connection with the Carletonville shooting. Authorities have not released further details about arrests or charges at the time of reporting.
Weapons and modus operandi
Police said the Wedela suspects were armed with automatic and semi‑automatic firearms, including AK‑47s, and handguns. After the shootings, perpetrators allegedly searched victims for phones and other valuables, suggesting a robbery element alongside the mass violence.
- Multiple provinces affected: Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal and the Western Cape all recorded fatal mass shootings in the period under review.
- Firearms used: Reports indicate use of AK‑style rifles and handguns.
- Police tactics: Authorities are using technological tools to identify suspects and are conducting searches for persons of interest.
Local impact and concerns
In KwaZulu‑Natal, the KwaMakhutha attack has renewed anxiety about violent crime in township and peri‑urban areas. Communities affected by such incidents often report long‑lasting trauma, fear about public gatherings and increased pressure on local policing resources.
Police and other law‑enforcement agencies face calls to accelerate visible patrols, pursue illegal firearms networks and improve forensic and intelligence capacity to prevent further mass‑casualty events. Civil society organisations and victim support groups typically urge expedited support for survivors and families of the deceased, but no specific support measures were detailed in the reporting.
What to expect next
Investigations remain active in all the incidents cited. SAPS statements and formal updates are expected as forensic results, witness statements and technological evidence are processed. Residents with information are ordinarily urged to contact their local police stations or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or SMS 32211 where available.
The spate of shootings has put renewed emphasis on the national debate about illegal firearms circulation and violent crime reduction strategies. Authorities have signalled an intensification of operations; community leaders will be watching for results and for measures that improve safety in affected neighbourhoods.
— KwaZulu‑Natal correspondent
