At least four people were killed and three others wounded when a gunman opened fire on mourners leaving a memorial service for a local politician in South Africa, police said on Wednesday.
The shooting occurred late Tuesday in Katlehong township, southeast of Johannesburg, as mourners departed a service honouring a member of a political party.
Police initially reported two deaths at the scene, but the toll rose to four on Wednesday after two wounded victims died in hospital.
Three others were injured, including at least one child, authorities said.
The suspected gunman surrendered to police and was taken into custody. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive.
The South African Police Service said its political killings task team had taken over the investigation amid concerns about violence linked to political rivalries.
Local media reported that some of the victims belonged to the youth league of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s largest parliamentary party.
The memorial reportedly honoured a female ANC local leader who was killed earlier this month in a suspected politically motivated attack.
Police have not independently confirmed the victims’ political affiliations or the identity of the politician being commemorated.
The latest killings come amid growing concerns over political violence ahead of South Africa’s municipal elections scheduled for November 4.
A report released earlier this month by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime recorded 43 suspected politically motivated killings across South Africa so far this year.
South Africa has long struggled with high levels of gun violence, including assassinations and attacks linked to disputes over political influence and control of local government.
The upcoming elections will determine control of municipal councils nationwide, with political parties competing for influence over local administrations and public resources.
