South African police have announced that 17 people were killed and 15 others wounded in a shooting at a bar in southwestern Johannesburg, and an operation to arrest the perpetrators of the incident has begun.

According to a Reuters report, the incident occurred at around 9:30 PM on Saturday, September 26, in the “Wedela” township in Gauteng province.

South African police have said that the victims included 13 men and four women, and emergency health services confirmed their deaths at the scene.

According to police, 15 other individuals who were wounded by gunfire have been transferred to health centers for treatment.

Police added that the attackers appeared to be armed with AK-47 rifles and first opened fire on customers who were drinking outside the bar, then entered the building and continued shooting.

Police have stated that the motive for the shooting has not yet been determined, and no one has been arrested in connection with the incident so far.

Police authorities have announced that the search for the suspects continues.