11 Killed, Including Three Minors, in Daylight Shooting at ‘Illegal Shebeen’

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — At least 11 people have been killed—including a three-year-old child and two teenagers—and 14 others wounded in a brutal mass shooting at a hostel in Saulsville township, west of South Africa’s capital, Pretoria. The attack occurred early Saturday morning, marking the latest surge in mass shootings that continue to plague the crime-ridden nation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a total of 25 people were shot when three unknown gunmen stormed the venue around 04:30 local time (14:30 GMT).

The victims were gathered at a premise within the hostel complex that police described as an “illegal shebeen” (unlicensed liquor premise). The gunmen reportedly entered and began “randomly shooting” at a group of men who were drinking, though the violence quickly claimed innocent bystanders.

Among the deceased are a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Ten victims died at the scene, and another succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

“Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire,” Brigadier Mathe told public broadcaster SABC.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been made, though a massive manhunt is underway for the three suspects.

Brigadier Mathe stressed the critical challenge posed by illegal shebeens in the country. She noted that these “illegal and unlicensed liquor premises” are tragically where the majority of mass shootings occur in South Africa, often due to crime, gang violence, or conflict linked to the illicit trade.

The attack tragically reinforces South Africa’s status as a nation suffering from one of the highest murder rates globally.