Pretoria, South Africa – A mass shooting at a hotel in Pretoria has left 11 people dead and 24 others injured, according to South African police. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when armed assailants stormed the hotel and opened fire on patrons gathered in the establishment’s bar.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that ten individuals died at the scene in Soshanguve, a township located approximately 18 kilometers west of Pretoria. Tragically, among the deceased were children aged 3, 12, and 16.
Authorities confirmed that 24 people sustained gunshot wounds, with 14 requiring hospitalization. According to the police report, three armed individuals entered the hotel premises around 4:30 AM local time (02:30 GMT) and indiscriminately fired upon a group of men who were socializing in the hotel bar.
The police spokesperson described the attack as a “very unfortunate incident,” noting that law enforcement was only alerted to the shooting around 6:00 AM. The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, and no arrests have been made as of yet. Police are actively investigating the incident.
This tragic event marks the latest in a series of mass shootings to plague the nation of 63 million. South Africa continues to grapple with deeply entrenched crime and corruption, often fueled by organized networks. While many citizens possess legally licensed firearms for self-protection, the circulation of illegal weapons remains a significant concern.
Recent police data indicates that armed violence claims approximately 63 lives daily in South Africa. The period from April to September saw a particularly high incidence of violent crime, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes of violence and enhance public safety.
