A devastating mass shooting near Pretoria, South Africa, has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including three children, highlighting the nation's ongoing struggle with severe crime. The tragic incident, which saw 25 individuals shot, occurred at an unlicensed bar in Saulsville township, approximately 18km west of Pretoria, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Tragic Toll: Children Among the Dead
Among the victims confirmed dead by Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), were a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. An additional 14 people sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
Incident Details and Police Response
Police reported that three gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on a group of men who were socializing at the “illegal shebeen” – an unlicensed drinking establishment often found in hostels – around 4:30 AM (02:30 GMT). Law enforcement was only notified of the massacre around 6:00 AM (04:00 GMT). A massive manhunt has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators, though the motive behind the heinous attack remains unknown at this time.
South Africa's Enduring Crime Crisis
This latest tragedy underscores South Africa's profound challenges with entrenched crime and corruption, often fueled by sophisticated organized networks. The country, recognized as the most industrialized nation on the continent, records one of the world's highest murder rates. Police data indicates an alarming average of 63 killings daily between April and September, largely driven by robberies and rampant gang violence.
The Peril of Unlicensed Premises
SAPS spokesperson Mathe emphasized the critical issue posed by unlicensed liquor premises. "We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises," Mathe stated, explaining that such venues frequently become sites for mass shootings where "innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire."
A Pattern of Violence
The incident follows a series of similar violent outbreaks across the country. In October, a gang-related shooting in Johannesburg, the financial capital, claimed the lives of two teenagers and wounded five others. Earlier in May, eight customers were killed by gunmen at a tavern in Durban. Last year, a shocking event in the Eastern Cape province saw 18 family members murdered at a rural homestead. The proliferation of illegal firearms, alongside licensed personal protection weapons, further exacerbates the violence gripping the nation.