Armed gunmen stormed a hostel in the Saulsville area of Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, in the early hours of Saturday, killing 11 people, including three children, and injuring 14 others. The attack happened around 4:15 a.m., when a group of people were gathered inside an illegal bar, known locally as a shebeen, operating inside the hostel. Ten victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries in hospital.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS), at least three suspects entered the hostel and opened fire on the occupants before fleeing. A massive manhunt is underway, with forensic teams deployed to collect evidence and determine the exact sequence of events. Authorities say the motive is still unclear, but the incident is believed to be linked to ongoing violence associated with illegal liquor outlets, which have been hotspots for several recent mass shootings in South Africa.
The victims include a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old, and a 16-year-old girl, highlighting the brutality of the attack. Local media report that the shooting is part of a worrying trend of escalating gun violence in the country, where dozens of homicides occur daily. Police have urged the public to share any information that could help identify the attackers as the investigation continues.