At least eleven people, including a three-year-old child, have been killed after heavily armed men stormed an informal hostel in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, in the early hours of Saturday.
Fourteen others sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, which police say is part of a growing pattern of deadly mass shootings across South Africa.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed that the incident occurred around 04:30 local time (02:30 GMT) when multiple gunmen invaded the premises, which has been described as an “illegal shebeen” — an unlicensed drinking venue.
“At least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting,” she said.
According to Mathe, a total of 25 people were shot, including a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. A three-year-old child was among the deceased.
Police say the motive for the attack remains unclear. No arrests have been made, and detectives are still combing the scene for evidence while a manhunt for the assailants intensifies.
Mathe noted that illegal drinking venues remain a major driver of violent crime across the country.
“We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises,” she said. “Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire.”
South Africa has been battling surging levels of violent crime, with mass shootings becoming increasingly frequent.
According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data for 2023–24, the country’s murder rate stands at 45 per 100,000 people — one of the highest globally.
Police statistics also show that an average of 63 people were killed daily between April and September 2025.
Authorities say the proliferation of illegal firearms and entrenched criminal networks continue to fuel the brutality of such attacks.
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