• Mass shooting at a hostel in Pretoria leaves 12 dead, including three minors.
• 14 others were wounded during the attack in an illegal bar.
• Police are on a manhunt for three suspects; the motive is still unknown.

In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, a mass shooting at a hostel operating as an illegal bar in Pretoria resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including three minors—one aged three, one aged 12, and a 16-year-old girl. This event marks a significant episode in a series of violent incidents that have troubled South Africa, a nation grappling with high murder rates and rampant gun violence, with statistics reflecting over 70 homicides daily, as reported by authorities Indiatimes, Africanews, Al Jazeera.

The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the Saulsville township, where eyewitness accounts indicate that three unidentified gunmen fired into a crowd of patrons. In total, 25 people were shot during this horrific event, with ten victims dying at the scene. Police have not yet identified the motive for this heinous act, and a manhunt is ongoing for the suspects South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, LA Times.

Authorities have expressed concern regarding the increase of violence occurring at illegal liquor establishments, often referred to as "shebeens" in local context. Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, stated that police have shut down almost 12,000 illegal shebeens this year alone, emphasizing the need for increased control to prevent further fatalities associated with these venues Africanews, Al Jazeera, LA Times.