By Everson Luhanga
- Ten men stormed into a busy tavern and shot eight people without saying a word before escaping into the night.
- Community members say most taverns in Olievehoutbosch are illegal and want them shut down to stop more killings.
At least five people are dead after a bloody tavern shooting in Shoba informal settlement in Olievehoutbosch, Pretoria.
Three women and two men were shot and killed on Friday night around 10.30pm.
Gauteng provincial police spokesman Lieutenant colonel Mavela Masondo said about ten men stormed into the tavern and started shooting without saying anything.
“Three other people were rushed to hospital with injuries. The motive for the mass shooting is not yet known,” he said.
Masondo said police are now searching for the suspects and have opened cases of murder and attempted murder.
He said anyone with information should contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The incident has sparked anger from local residents, who say many taverns in the area are illegal and unsafe.
“They must shut them all down,” said one resident. “Only legal taverns with proper bouncers at the gate should be allowed to open.”
Another added: “The police are failing. Most of these places are not even registered.”
Some blamed the end of the once-feared Amaberete police task team, who used to patrol the area at night and search everyone and every car.
“Now people walk around with guns like it’s nothing,” said a resident.
Police are still investigating.
Pictured above: Crime scene tape.
Iimage source: Stock
