At least 27 people have been killed and more than 20 wounded in two separate shootings at South African townships, police said.

The first incident occurred late on Saturday, when gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, killing at least 17 people and wounding 15 others.

Police said the attack began at around 9:30 pm local time (19:30 GMT) in Extension 3, Wedela, in Gauteng province's West Rand district.

The gunmen fired at people gathered outside the tavern before entering the premises, where more shots were fired. Investigators said some customers were searched during the attack and had their mobile phones taken. The suspects then fled in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were burned during the incident.

Police are searching for eight suspects, who were "reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols." The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been announced.

Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said detectives and specialist police units had been assigned to identify and locate the eight suspects. Police have opened 17 murder cases, 15 attempted murder cases, and two cases related to property damage.

Early on Sunday, gunmen killed at least 10 people and wounded 11 others at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Police said they are searching for multiple suspects in connection with that attack.

The two shootings took place just days after a separate incident near the city of Durban, where 11 people were killed at a house party, including a pregnant woman.

South Africa records persistently high levels of violent crime, including killings involving firearms. The government has faced sustained pressure to improve public safety, particularly in major urban areas.