Gunmen stormed a hostel in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, in the early hours of Saturday, killing 11 people — among them a three-year-old child — in what authorities say was an attack at an illegal drinking spot operating inside the facility.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that 25 people were shot during the incident in Saulsville township, located about 18 kilometres west of Pretoria. Ten victims died on the scene, while one later died in hospital. Fourteen others are currently receiving treatment.
According to police, three armed men entered the hostel around 4:30 a.m. and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons who were drinking inside the unlicensed venue. A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were among those killed.
Mathe described the situation as “deeply unfortunate,” noting that police received the alert only around 6:00 a.m., almost two hours after the attack.
Authorities say the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. A manhunt for the suspects is ongoing.
Mathe also raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed liquor outlets, noting that many mass shootings in the country occur in such locations, often putting innocent bystanders at risk.
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A Country Battling Violent Crime
South Africa continues to struggle with widespread violent crime, driven largely by organised gangs, corruption, and the circulation of illegal firearms.
According to recent police data, an average of 63 people were killed daily between April and September, one of the highest murder rates globally. Most of the deaths were linked to arguments, robberies, and gang violence.
This latest incident adds to a series of deadly attacks in recent months:
In October, two teenagers were shot dead and five others injured in a gang-related shooting in Johannesburg.
In May, eight people were killed at a tavern in Durban.
Last year, 18 family members were massacred at a homestead in Eastern Cape Province.
Police continue to investigate Saturday’s attack as communities grapple with ongoing security challenges.
