At least 27 people were killed and 26 others wounded in two separate mass shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town, South African police said, extending a series of deadly attacks that has struck the country within days.
No arrests had been announced in either of the latest shootings, and police were searching for multiple suspects.
The first attack began at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg in Gauteng province's West Rand district.
Police said eight suspects armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire on people gathered outside the tavern before entering the establishment and continuing to shoot.
Seventeen people were killed and at least 15 others wounded.
Investigators said some patrons were searched during the attack and had their mobile phones taken.
The suspects fled in two unidentified vehicles, while two other vehicles were set alight during the incident.
Police opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases and two cases involving property damage.
Detectives and specialist police units were assigned to identify and locate the eight suspects.
The motive remained unknown.
In a separate attack after midnight, gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue selling grilled meat in Lwandle, near Cape Town.
Police said five people died at the scene and another five died after being transported to medical facilities.
Eleven other people were receiving treatment for injuries.
Western Cape police established an investigative team led by serious violent crime detectives and said multiple suspects were being sought.
No arrests had been made, and authorities said the identities of those killed would be released after their relatives were informed.
The two shootings came days after three gunmen attacked a house party near Durban, killing 11 people, including a pregnant woman.
The latest violence adds to sustained concerns over firearm-related killings and violent crime in South Africa, where authorities have faced pressure to strengthen public safety and police responses.