At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, police said Sunday, with gunmen targeting an entertainment venue near Johannesburg and another in a township outside Cape Town.

The first shooting took place late Saturday when eight armed men stormed a bar west of Johannesburg and opened fire on people gathered outside before moving into the establishment, police said.

Seventeen people were killed, including 13 men and four women, while 15 others were wounded, according to authorities.

The gunmen were armed with assault rifles and fled the scene after setting two vehicles on fire, police said. The motive for the attack was not immediately known.

In a separate incident early Sunday, gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue in a township outside Cape Town, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others.

Five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while five others died from their injuries as they were being taken to hospital, police said.

No arrests had been made in either shooting, police said, and investigations were under way.

South Africa has struggled with high levels of violent crime, including frequent shootings in taverns and other entertainment venues. Authorities have repeatedly faced calls to strengthen efforts to curb illegal firearms and organized criminal activity. (ILKHA)