South African police have launched a manhunt for suspects following three separate shootings that left at least 31 people dead and several others injured across the country.
The deadliest incident occurred on Saturday evening in Wedela township, in the West Rand District near Johannesburg, where 17 people were killed and 15 others injured.
According to police, eight unidentified gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on people gathered outside a tavern before entering the premises and continuing the attack.
The attackers reportedly robbed some victims of their mobile phones before fleeing the scene in two vehicles.
In another incident in Lwandle township in the Western Cape, 10 people were killed after gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue early Sunday morning. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died in hospital.
Police are investigating a possible business rivalry in the alcohol trade as one potential motive for the Lwandle shooting.
Meanwhile, four men were reportedly shot dead in a separate incident in nearby Khayelitsha.
The shootings come days after another mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, where 11 people were killed and three others injured. South African police have intensified efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the latest attacks.
