At least 17 dead in mass shooting at bar in South Africa, police say

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At least 17 people have been killed in a shooting at a bar in South Africa's Gauteng, police said.

Police have launched a manhunt to find eight armed men following the deadly shooting late on Saturday at a tavern in Wedela ​township ⁠southwest of ‌Johannesburg.

The suspects, armed with AK-47 rifles ⁠and pistols, entered the bar and began shooting at customers, police said.

All 17 people, including four women, were shot and killed at the bar and declared dead at the scene by the ambulance service, police said.

Police said the suspects searched some victims and stole their mobile phones before fleeing the scene in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were also set ablaze during the shooting, police added.

Police said the motive behind the shooting was unknown.

Fifteen others suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital for treatment.