The death toll from a mass shooting at a bar in South Africa has risen to 18, police said Monday.
One injured victim died in hospital, taking the total number of fatalities to 18.
The attack happened late Saturday in Wedela, a semi-rural township about 80 kilometres from Johannesburg.
Eight Gunmen Storm Bar
Police said eight gunmen armed with assault rifles entered the bar and opened fire.
The attackers killed 13 men and four women at the scene and injured several others.
Police said only four victims have been identified so far. Two were South African nationals, while two were from Lesotho.
The motive for the attack remains unclear.
However, authorities are investigating possible links to rival gangs involved in illegal gold mining activities in the area.
Gang Rivalries Under Investigation
Thousands of illegal miners operate in abandoned gold mines across South Africa.
Many come from other southern African countries, including Lesotho.
Illegal mining has been linked to organised crime, gang disputes, assassinations and other violent activities.
South Africa also witnessed another deadly shooting over the weekend.
On Sunday, gunmen killed 10 people and injured 11 others at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town.
South Africa Faces High Gun Violence
South Africa has widespread access to both legal and illegal firearms.
Gang rivalry, extortion and competition between informal businesses are among factors linked to shootings.
The country has one of the world’s highest murder rates.
With a population of around 62 million, South Africa records roughly 60 killings every day, highlighting the scale of its violent crime problem.
