At least 11 people have been shot dead and 14 others wounded after armed attackers opened fire at a hostel in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, early Saturday. Police say three unidentified gunmen burst into the building around 4:30am local time and began shooting indiscriminately at a group of people who had gathered to drink. A three-year-old child, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were among those killed.
Authorities say the attackers targeted what they described as an “illegal shebeen,” noting that such unlicensed drinking spots have become hotspots for mass shootings in the country. “We are having a serious challenge with these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises. Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and no arrests have been made so far. South Africa continues to battle one of the world’s highest murder rates, with an average of 63 people killed every day according to recent police data. Investigations into the latest incident are ongoing.
