South Africa shooting death toll rises to 12 after bar attack near Pretoria

A mass shooting at an unlicensed bar near Pretoria has killed 12 people, including three children, and wounded 13 individuals, authorities confirmed. The attack took place in the early hours at a bar operating inside a hostel in the Saulsville township. Ten victims died on the spot, while two more succumbed to their injuries in hospital — raising the death toll to 12.

Among the dead are three minors: a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. The wounded are receiving medical treatment, and a search is underway for the suspected gunmen. Police have described the scene as a tragic, indiscriminate firing at patrons in the illegal bar.

Illegal bars and recurring violence

South African law-enforcement officials say this shooting again highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed bars — locally known as “shebeens.” These establishments are frequently linked to violent crime. Between April and September 2025, police shut down nearly 12,000 illegal bars across the country in a crackdown aimed at reducing such risks. Despite these efforts, shootings at such locations have continued.

Mass shootings at bars and shebeens are not new in South Africa. In prior years, similar attacks killed dozens, frequently adding to the overall high national homicide rate. Illegal firearms remain a major concern, as many attacks involve unregistered weapons, complicating efforts to prevent violence.

Public outcry and law-enforcement challenges

The attack has shocked communities and drawn widespread condemnation. The death of children and young people has stirred calls for urgent action. Some demand stricter enforcement against unlicensed drinking spots, tighter gun control, and stronger oversight of night-time venues. Others call for broader social interventions to address crime, poverty, and youth vulnerability.

Authorities face the difficult challenge of balancing policing with social reforms. Investigators aim to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly, while state officials consider policy responses that target the root causes of recurring violence — including illegal alcohol trade, unlicensed bars, and unchecked availability of weapons.

Broader context: a nation grappling with deadly gun violence

South Africa continues to struggle with some of the highest homicide rates globally. Despite relatively strict gun-ownership laws, illegal guns are often used in violent crimes. Mass shootings, gang violence, and gun-related murders remain frequent. Experts note that criminal networks, organised crime, and socio-economic inequality contribute to this pattern of violence.

Efforts to curb gun violence have included police crackdowns on illegal bars and weapons, but many believe these measures alone are insufficient. Long-term solutions — including community development, better youth opportunities, and systemic reforms — may be essential to reduce the recurring cycles of violence.

What needs to be done

To address this crisis, several steps appear necessary:

• Intensify policing and inspections to close illegal bars and prevent unlicensed drinking venues from operating.
• Strengthen gun-control enforcement and crack down on illegal firearm circulation and trafficking.
• Invest in social and economic programmes targeting vulnerable youth, offering alternatives to crime and violence.
• Increase community engagement and support for mental health, social cohesion, and violence prevention.
• Improve public-safety infrastructure — including lighting, policing presence, and emergency response — especially in high-risk townships and hostels.

Conclusion

The shooting near Pretoria — resulting in 12 deaths, including children — is a tragic reminder of South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gun violence and unsafe informal venues. The loss of innocent lives, and particularly the death of minors, underscores the urgency for comprehensive action.

Unless authorities combine enforcement with social reforms and community support, illegal bars and gun violence may continue to claim more lives. For now, the nation mourns, communities fear, and many ask: how many more must die before lasting change comes?