A mass shooting at an unlicensed bar in Saulsville township, near Pretoria, South Africa, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including three children aged 3, 12, and 16. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, with police reporting that ten victims died at the scene and the eleventh succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Additionally, 14 others were wounded and transported to medical facilities; however, details on their conditions have not been released.
According to police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe, the shooting commenced around 4:15 AM when three unidentified gunmen entered the establishment, where patrons were drinking, and began firing indiscriminately. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and law enforcement is actively pursuing the suspects.
This shooting is part of a broader trend of gun violence in South Africa, which has one of the highest homicide rates globally, with over 26,000 recorded in 2024 alone. Although the country has stringent gun ownership regulations, illegal firearms contribute significantly to violent crime rates. Authorities have noted a growing concern regarding mass shootings at unlicensed bars, often referred to as shebeens or taverns. In an effort to combat this issue, police have closed more than 11,000 illegal establishments and made over 18,000 arrests related to illegal liquor sales within the past year.
The prevalence of mass shootings in South Africa is not limited to bars; a recent incident in the Eastern Cape saw 18 individuals killed in two separate shootings. As investigations continue into the latest tragedy, the community and law enforcement face ongoing challenges related to gun violence and public safety.