JOHANNESBURG — At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, police said, as authorities launched investigations and manhunts for the attackers.

The shootings occurred within hours of each other, with 17 people killed at a tavern in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, and another 10 killed at a grilled-meat venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town.

No arrests had been reported in either case.

17 killed near Johannesburg

Police said eight suspects armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire at a tavern in Wedela at about 9:30pm on Saturday.

At least 15 people were wounded in the attack.

According to police, patrons were drinking both inside and outside the tavern when the gunmen arrived and opened fire on those outside before entering the premises and continuing the attack.

The suspects allegedly searched some patrons and took their mobile phones before escaping in two vehicles. Police said two vehicles were later set alight.

10 killed near Cape Town

In a separate attack, gunmen opened fire at a shisanyama, a popular South African venue serving grilled meat, in Lwandle on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Police said the shooting took place at about 1:46am on Sunday, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others.

Five victims died at the scene, while another five died after being taken to medical facilities, Western Cape police said.

Detectives have been assigned to identify and arrest those responsible.

Fresh concerns over gun violence

The attacks came only days after 11 people were killed in a separate shooting at a house party near Durban, highlighting continuing concerns over violent crime and gun violence in South Africa.

Police data shows that more than 22,700 people were murdered in the 12 months ending June 30, underscoring the scale of the country’s long-running struggle with violent crime.