This is a list of mass shootings that have occurred in South Africa. A mass shooting has various definitions, but is defined by South African police as an incident in which three or more people are shot with a firearm.[1]
Mass shootings in South Africa are mostly perpetrated by gangs, and are usually motivated by competition for turf and resources, as well as illegal mining.[1][2] Another cause are the long-standing conflicts between minibus taxi associations in the country.[1] They often result in revenge shootings.[1][2] Taverns are often targeted.[2][3]
A lack of essential police resources has been discussed as a cause of the slowed response to mass murders in South Africa, and a lack of detectives preventing proactive analysis of crimes.[2][3] A disconnect between policing and the communities they service has been pointed out as a possible influencing factor,[2] as has the rate of certified firearm theft.[3]