Government condemns mass shootings, deploys specialised police teams to hunt suspects - IOL

Government has condemned the ongoing spate of mass shootings and says law enforcement agencies have reinforced their presence on the ground and assembled specialised teams to track down suspects.

The government has condemned a spate of mass shootings across South Africa, saying law enforcement agencies have intensified their presence on the ground and assembled specialised investigative teams to track down those responsible.

The government described the shootings as “senseless acts of violence” and said police were pursuing all available leads as authorities moved to strengthen their response.

“Government strongly condemns the ongoing spate of mass shootings that the country has recently witnessed. Such lawlessness has no place and will not be tolerated in our democratic society,” the government said.

The government's condemnation comes after several deadly shootings over the weekend, including a massacre at a tavern in Wedela on Gauteng's West Rand on Saturday night.

The death toll from the Wedela attack has since risen to 18 after one of the wounded victims died in hospital on Monday. Police said gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on patrons inside and outside the tavern. Investigators are searching for eight suspects.

Hours later, 10 people were killed and 11 others wounded in another mass shooting at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, Cape Town.

The government said police had reinforced deployments in affected areas as investigations into the shootings continued.

“Law enforcement agencies are pursuing every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these senseless acts of violence are brought to justice,” it said.

“Additionally, the law enforcement agencies have reinforced its presence on the ground and assembled specialised investigative teams to hunt down the suspects.”

Authorities also appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations, local government and residents to cooperate with police in tackling violent crime.

“Members of the public should refrain from confronting suspects or taking the law into their own hands and are encouraged to report any information to law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.

Anyone with information that could assist ongoing investigations has been urged to contact the South African Police Service on 08600 10111 or submit information through the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be handled in strict confidence,” the government said.