A mass shooting in an unlicensed bar near Pretoria, South Africa, has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, with police confirming that three children are among the victims. The tragic incident occurred in the Saulsville township during the early hours of Saturday, with authorities reporting that 13 additional people sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The shooting unfolded around 4:15 am, but police were not notified until 6 am. According to a statement from the South African Police Services, ten victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. The deceased included a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl.
Police are actively pursuing three male suspects believed to be responsible for the attack. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a police spokesperson, stated, “At least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting.” The motive behind the violence remains unclear.
Impact of Gun Violence in South Africa
South Africa grapples with one of the highest homicide rates globally, reporting more than 26,000 homicides in 2024, which averages over 70 deaths per day. Firearms are the leading cause of death in these homicides. Despite relatively strict gun ownership laws, many killings occur with illegal firearms, according to law enforcement authorities.
The country’s struggle with gun violence is compounded by a troubling trend of mass shootings at bars, colloquially known as shebeens or taverns. A particularly devastating incident in 2022 claimed the lives of 16 people in a bar in the Johannesburg township of Soweto. On the same day as the Saulsville shooting, another mass shooting occurred at a bar in a different province, resulting in four fatalities.
Authorities Respond to Growing Concerns
Brigadier Mathe noted that mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming an increasing concern for law enforcement. In response, police have shut down over 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September of this year and have arrested more than 18,000 individuals for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
The tragic events in Saulsville highlight the ongoing challenges faced by South African authorities in controlling gun violence and illegal establishments. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of such violence in their daily lives.
