· Residents say the same tavern in Atteridgeville was attacked earlier this year, but this time more people were killed.
· Three children are among the 12 people killed in the latest mass shooting. Fourteen more victims are in hospital.
Residents of Atteridgeville in Pretoria say the mass shooting that claimed 12 lives on Saturday morning is the second time the same tavern has been attacked.
According to locals, the previous shooting also involved gunmen firing into the venue, but that time it was closed, and fewer people were hurt.
In the latest attack, 25 people were shot when gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Saulsville Hostel around 4am. Twelve were killed, including three minors aged three, 12 and 16. Fourteen others are being treated in hospital.
South African Police Service national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a manhunt has been launched for three suspects. “The motive for the attack is currently unclear,” she said.
Residents said this is not the first time this tavern has been targeted.
“This is not a new thing,” one community member said. “But this time, it’s worse, more people died.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi called the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable” and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“We are distressed by the loss of innocent lives, including young children, in this senseless act of violence,” said Lesufi.
He said the provincial government will now ramp up inspections and crackdowns on both legal and illegal taverns.
“Illegal liquor outlets often attract crime. We cannot allow our communities to live in fear,” he said.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson for Community Safety in Gauteng, Crezane Bosch, confirmed hearing about the earlier shooting.
She said it happened three months ago at the same tavern and blamed poor infrastructure and under-resourced police for putting residents at risk.
“This area is completely dark and there are no working streetlights. Police don’t have the resources they need,” said Bosch.
Pictured above: Police at the scene of the tavern shooting in Saulsville, Atteridgeville, where 12 people were killed.
Image source: Supplied
