A horrifying mass shooting at an unlicensed bar on the outskirts of Pretoria has left South Africa reeling, after 12 people… including three children… were gunned down without warning in one of the country’s deadliest recent attacks.
The violence erupted early Saturday inside a tavern operating from a hostel west of the capital. According to authorities, 10 victims died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Among those killed were a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl, all caught in the crossfire during what should have been a normal community night out.
At least 13 additional victims were rushed to nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds. Police have not yet released their ages or updated medical conditions.
Investigators say they are urgently searching for three unidentified male suspects believed to have stormed into the bar and opened fire indiscriminately. “We are told that at least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting,” a police spokesperson told national broadcaster SABC.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help identify the shooters.
