Gunmen attacked a hostel in Saulsville, a township 18 kilometres west of Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday, leaving 11 people dead, including a three-year-old child, police confirmed.
Authorities said the site was an illegal alcohol outlet, commonly known as a “shebeen.”
Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe revealed that 25 people were shot in the attack, with 14 taken to hospital.
Ten victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries in hospital. Among the dead were a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.
Three assailants reportedly entered the hostel around 4:30 am (0230 GMT) and opened fire indiscriminately on a group of men drinking inside.
“Quite an unfortunate incident. Police were only alerted to this incident at around 6 o’clock,” Mathe said.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and no arrests have been made, though a manhunt is underway.
Police expressed concern over illegal liquor outlets, noting they are frequent sites of mass shootings.
“We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises,” Mathe said. “Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire.”
South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised nation, struggles with entrenched crime and corruption, often fuelled by organised networks.
Shootings are common and frequently linked to gang activity and alcohol. While many citizens legally own firearms for protection, illegal guns are widespread.
Police data shows the country recorded an average of 63 murders per day between April and September, placing South Africa among the world’s deadliest nations.
Most deaths result from arguments, with robberies and gang violence contributing significantly.
Recent incidents highlight the ongoing crisis: in October, two teenagers were killed and five others injured in a gang-related shooting in Johannesburg.
In May, eight patrons were killed at a tavern in Durban. Last year, 18 relatives were gunned down at a rural homestead in the Eastern Cape Province.
