South Africa has seen a series of deadly mass shootings in recent days, with at least 38 people killed and nearly 30 others wounded in three separate attacks.

The mass shootings took place in impoverished townships near Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Police said all three attacks involved multiple gunmen.

In one of the latest mass shootings on Saturday night, eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols reportedly opened fire on patrons outside a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, before entering the establishment. At least 17 people were killed.

Hours later, another mass shooting in Lwandle township near Cape Town left 10 people dead at a store connected to a nighttime entertainment venue. Police have not said how many gunmen were involved in that attack.

Earlier in the week, three gunmen reportedly forced their way into a house party in KwaMakhutha township near Durban. Eleven people were killed in that mass shooting.

South African mass shootings often differ from lone-gunman attacks seen in other countries. According to the report, they are generally connected to criminal activity rather than ideological motives or personal grievances.

Authorities say some mass shootings are linked to criminal gangs involved in turf wars or efforts to control communities and areas. Illegal mining gangs have been associated with violence around Johannesburg, while gangs involved in drugs and extortion have been linked to shootings in other areas.

Police define a mass shooting in South Africa as an incident in which three or more people are shot in a single attack.

Poor communities are particularly affected by violent crime, with factors including distance from police stations and inadequate lighting contributing to their vulnerability. Residents have also raised concerns about gangs and illegal firearms.

South Africa has responded to the rise in mass shootings with increased security measures. In March, President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed soldiers to support police in a yearlong operation targeting violent crime and organized gangs, including illegal mining groups.

The recent mass shootings have again highlighted the challenges facing authorities as they work to address organized crime and gun violence in vulnerable communities.