In a tragic incident that has again highlighted South Africa's severe crime challenges, gunmen killed twelve people, including three children, in a shooting at a hostel in the capital, Pretoria. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning at a site police identified as an illegal drinking establishment.
Details of the Saulsville Township Attack
Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a total of 25 people were shot when three armed suspects entered the hostel in Saulsville township, located 18 kilometres west of Pretoria. The assault happened around 4:30 am local time (0230 GMT) at what Mathe described as an "illegal shebeen"—a term for an informal tavern.
The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on a group of men who were drinking. The victims included a three-year-old child, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. Ten people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. A twelfth victim passed away on Saturday afternoon.
"Quite an unfortunate incident. Police were only alerted to this incident at around 6 o'clock," Mathe stated. The motive remains unknown, and no arrests have been made. A manhunt is currently underway for the unidentified suspects.
Illegal Liquor Outlets: A Persistent Problem
Authorities directly linked the massacre to the prevalence of unlicensed alcohol venues. "We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises," Mathe emphasized. She noted that such locations are frequently the scenes of mass shootings, where "innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire."
This incident is the latest in a string of similar violent outbreaks that have shocked the crime-weary nation of 63 million people. South Africa suffers one of the highest murder rates globally, with police data showing approximately 63 people killed each day between April and September this year.
A Nation Grappling with Entrenched Violence
As the continent's most industrialized nation, South Africa continues to struggle with deep-rooted crime and corruption, often driven by organized networks. Shootings are common, frequently fuelled by gang violence and alcohol. While many citizens own licensed firearms for protection, a vast number of illegal weapons remain in circulation despite strict gun laws.
Recent history is marred by similar tragedies:
- In October, a gang-related shooting in Johannesburg, the financial capital, left two teenagers dead and five others wounded.
- In May, gunmen killed eight customers at a tavern in the southeastern city of Durban.
- Last year, 18 relatives were shot dead at a rural homestead in the Eastern Cape Province.
Police have stated that most violent deaths stem from arguments, with robberies and gang violence significantly contributing to the country's alarming homicide toll.
