A mass shooting at an unlicensed bar in a township near Pretoria has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 11 people, including three children, and left 14 others wounded. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has prompted a major police manhunt for three suspects and reignited national concerns over South Africa's high rates of violent crime and illegal firearms.
Horror in Saulsville Township
The shooting took place at a location described by authorities as an "illegal shebeen" (unlicensed bar) situated within a hostel in the Saulsville township, located west of Pretoria.
Police reported that gunmen stormed the premises and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons who were socializing. Of the 11 fatalities, 10 died at the scene, and one succumbed to injuries later in the hospital. The wounded victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The victims included three children: a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl.
Manhunt Underway
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have launched a major manhunt for three suspects believed to be responsible for the attack. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been made yet. Forensic and ballistic experts are at the scene as part of the investigation.
Police officials have highlighted the persistent challenge posed by illegal bars, noting that many mass shootings and murders occur at these unlicensed establishments.
A Country Grappling with High Violence
This latest tragedy adds to a grim statistic, underscoring South Africa's struggle with one of the world's highest homicide rates. In 2024, the country recorded over 26,000 homicides, averaging more than 70 deaths per day. Firearms are consistently cited as the leading cause of death in these violent crimes, often involving illegal weapons despite the nation's relatively strict gun ownership laws. The attack also follows a series of similar mass shootings at taverns and shebeens in recent years, including an incident that killed 16 people in Soweto in 2022.
