Gunmen stormed a hostel in Pretoria, South Africa, early Saturday, killing 11 people, including a three‑year‑old child. Police confirmed the attack as part of a growing wave of mass shootings that have unsettled the nation of 63 million.
Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said: “I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,” noting that 14 were hospitalised. Ten victims died instantly in Saulsville township, 18 kilometres west of Pretoria, while one more succumbed to injuries in hospital.
At about 4:30 am (0230 GMT), three gunmen entered the hostel and opened fire indiscriminately on a group of men drinking. Among the dead were a 12‑year‑old and a 16‑year‑old.
Mathe added: “Quite an unfortunate incident. Police were only alerted to this incident at around 6 o’clock.”
The motive for the attack has not yet been established, and no suspects have been arrested.
The Pretoria massacre has reignited debate about gun control and the state’s ability to curb organised crime. Could the attack be linked to rival gangs, or is it a symptom of deeper political fractures? Some even speculate whether corruption within law enforcement is enabling such brazen assaults.
South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised nation, continues to grapple with entrenched crime and corruption tied to organised syndicates. Licensed firearms are common for self‑defence, yet illegal weapons circulate widely, fuelling deadly violence.
Police statistics show that between April and September, an average of 63 people were killed each day.
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