The death toll from a mass shooting at a bar in South Africa has risen to 18 after another victim died in hospital, police said on Monday.
The shooting occurred late Saturday in Wedela, a semi-rural township about 80 kilometres from central Johannesburg. Police said eight gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed the bar and opened fire, killing 13 men and four women.
“One more victim has died in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to 18,” police said.
Authorities said only four of the victims had been identified so far, including two South Africans and two nationals of Lesotho.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. However, the area is reportedly affected by rivalry between gangs involved in illegal gold mining.
Thousands of unregistered miners operate in abandoned mining shafts across South Africa, with many coming from neighbouring countries, including Lesotho. Illegal mining has been associated with organised crime and other violent activities.
The shooting was part of a violent weekend in South Africa. In a separate incident on Sunday, gunmen killed 10 people and injured 11 others at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town.
South Africa has a high rate of gun-related violence, with shootings frequently linked to gang conflicts, extortion and competition among informal businesses.
Police estimate that about 60 people are killed every day in the country, which has a population of approximately 62 million.
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