The death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern in South Africa has risen to 18 after another victim died in hospital, police say.
The attack happened late Saturday in Wedela, a semi-rural township about 80km west of Johannesburg.
Police said eight gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed the tavern, killing 13 men and four women at the scene.
“One more victim has died in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to 18,” police said.
Only four of the victims have so far been identified, including two South Africans and two nationals of neighbouring Lesotho.
Police have not established a motive for the attack. However, the area is reportedly affected by rivalry between gangs involved in illegal gold mining.
Thousands of unregistered miners operate in abandoned mine shafts across South Africa, with many coming from neighbouring countries, including Lesotho.
Illegal mining has been linked to organised crime, assassinations and other criminal activities in the country.
The shooting was part of a violent weekend in South Africa. In a separate incident near Cape Town, gunmen killed 10 people and wounded 11 others at an entertainment venue.
South Africa has high levels of gun violence, with shootings frequently linked to gang disputes, extortion and competition among informal businesses.
The country, with a population of about 62 million, records one of the world’s highest murder rates, with about 60 people killed daily.
