South African bar shooting leaves at least 11 dead, including three children

South African bar shooting leaves at least 11 dead, including three children

At least 11 people, among them a three-year-old boy, were killed in the early hours of Saturday when gunmen opened fire inside an illegal drinking spot in the South African city of Pretoria. 14 others were wounded in what police described as one of the deadliest attacks this year.

The shooting took place at about 4.30 am in Saulsville township, west of the capital, after at least three unknown men entered a hostel that was operating as an illegal bar, known locally as a shebeen.

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Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, said the attackers “started randomly shooting at a group of people who were drinking,” adding that a manhunt had been launched for the suspects. “I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,” she said. “Three minors are among those deceased.”

Victims include a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. Police did not specify whether the shooting happened inside or outside the shebeen.

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Authorities say the motive remains unclear. No arrests have been made. Mathe told public broadcaster SABC that unlicensed drinking venues are driving a surge in deadly violence. “We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises,” she said. “This is where the majority of mass shootings occur, and innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire.”

Between April and September, police shut down more than twelve thousand illegal outlets and arrested over 18,000 people nationwide, part of a wider crackdown on violent crime.

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South Africa remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates the murder rate at 45 per one hundred thousand people, while national data shows that an average of 63 people were killed every day between April and September.

Saturday’s attack adds to a growing list of mass shootings that have shaken communities already struggling with the country’s persistent violence. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the search for the gunmen continues.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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