South Africa has recorded yet another tragic mass shooting, adding to a growing list of violent attacks that continue to unsettle the nation of 63 million people — a country already struggling with one of the world’s highest murder rates.
On Saturday, armed men raided a hostel in Pretoria, the nation’s capital, and opened fire inside what police described as an illegal drinking spot. Twelve people, including a three-year-old child, were killed in the assault.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that 25 people were shot in total. Ten victims died immediately in Saulsville township, located about 18 kilometres west of Pretoria, while two others passed away in the hospital. A twelfth victim later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
According to Mathe, three assailants stormed the unlicensed “shebeen” at about 4:30 am and began shooting randomly at men who were drinking inside. A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were among those killed.
“It is a tragic incident. Unfortunately, police only received the alert around 6 am,” Mathe added.
No motive has been identified, and police say no arrests have been made yet. A large-scale manhunt is ongoing.
Mathe noted that illegal liquor outlets continue to pose serious security challenges, saying many of the country’s mass shootings occur at such venues. “Innocent people often become victims of crossfire,” she said in an interview with SABC.
South Africa continues to battle deeply rooted crime issues, driven by organised networks, widespread violence, and corruption. Despite strict firearm regulations, illegal guns remain common, contributing to frequent shootings often linked to gangs and alcohol abuse.
Police statistics show that between April and September, an average of 63 people were murdered each day, making South Africa one of the most violent countries globally. Many of the killings stem from disputes, robberies, and gang conflicts.
In recent months, violent attacks have continued across the country. In Johannesburg in October, two teenagers were killed and five others injured in a suspected gang shooting. In May, gunmen murdered eight people at a tavern in Durban, while last year, 18 family members were massacred at a homestead in the Eastern Cape.
