12 Killed in Deadly Shooting at Illegal Bar Near South Africa’s Capital

At least 12 people, including a three-year-old child, have been killed after gunmen stormed an unlicensed drinking spot near Pretoria and opened fire on patrons in the early hours of Saturday, according to South African police.

The attack took place in Atteridgeville, a township located west of the capital. Police say the shooters entered a makeshift tavern, commonly known as a shebeen, and began firing randomly at people who were inside. A total of 25 people were shot during the attack, with 13 survivors currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Authorities confirmed that three of those killed were minors. The youngest victim was just three years old and was believed to be related to the owner of the illegal tavern. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and police are actively searching for three suspects who fled the scene.

The shooting occurred shortly after 4 a.m., but officers were alerted roughly two hours later. The area where the incident happened is part of a hostel community—housing complexes originally built during the apartheid era for Black migrant workers. Today, many of these areas remain heavily impoverished and are often affected by violent crime.

Police officials have once again blamed illegal taverns for fueling violence in many communities. These unlicensed bars are widespread in poorer neighborhoods and often operate out of private homes. According to police, arguments and fights frequently break out in such places, sometimes escalating into deadly encounters that affect innocent bystanders.

From April to September alone, law enforcement authorities shut down close to 12,000 illegal taverns across South Africa as part of efforts to curb alcohol-related violence.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of mass shootings that have shaken the country in recent years. South Africa continues to struggle with one of the world’s highest murder rates, with many deadly incidents linked to bars, family disputes, and rural homestead attacks.

Police investigations into Saturday’s massacre are ongoing.