Ramaphosa Condemns Mass Shootings: "We Cannot Be A Country Where People Just Pick Up Guns"

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned a series of mass shootings in South Africa, saying security forces have been instructed to intensify efforts to reduce violent crime. His comments came after deadly attacks in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape left dozens of people dead and others injured.

The latest attack took place at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, on Saturday night. South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Sunday that 17 people – 13 males and four females – had died after gunmen opened fire at the venue at about 9.30pm, while another 15 people sustained serious injuries.

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The suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and handguns before allegedly searching patrons and taking their cellphones and other valuables.

Mass Shootings In South Africa Leave Dozens Dead

The mass shootings in South Africa have occurred across several provinces in recent days, with KZN also recording a deadly attack last week. On Tuesday, 22 September, gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, and opened fire on people gathered inside.

Eleven people were killed in the KwaMakhutha shooting, while three others were injured. The victims included a pregnant woman, with the shooting taking place before 11pm after the gunmen entered the property.

The Western Cape was also hit by a deadly shooting in the early hours of Sunday. Gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Strand, killing 10 people and leaving another 11 injured.

Ramaphosa Orders Security Forces To Tackle Violent Crime

Speaking to journalists in Ekurhuleni on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the level of violence and criminality needed to be reduced. The President said security forces had been given clear instructions to intensify their efforts against violent crime.

“This is the level of criminality that we must bring down, and our security forces are now going to continue pulling out all stops.

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“It cannot go on like this, and the clear instruction to our security forces is that we must bring the levels of criminality and violence down.”

Police are continuing to search for at least eight suspects linked to the Wedela tavern shooting. Ramaphosa said he was confident that investigators could make progress in identifying those responsible.

“Fortunately, technology was utilised to identify the images of those people who killed the 17. So that is going to be a great aid to the police, as they follow in the tracks of those people,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa Says Random Gun Violence Must End

Ramaphosa also addressed the broader issue of gun violence, saying further action was needed to tackle crime across the country. He said South Africa could not continue to see people using firearms to attack others at random.

“We cannot be a country where people just pick up guns and start shooting at people at random, making the people of South Africa unsafe.

“This has to be brought to an end, and we will be taking the necessary actions to address this,” Ramaphosa said.