Gunmen attacked a hostel in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, and killed twelve people, including a three-year-old child. Police said the hostel was operating as an illegal bar. The country, already struggling with high crime and frequent mass shootings, was shaken by another deadly incident.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said a total of 25 people were shot. Ten people died at the scene in Saulsville township, about 18 kilometers west of Pretoria, while two more died in the hospital. Later in the afternoon, another victim also passed away from injuries.
According to police, three armed men entered the illegal bar inside the hostel and began shooting randomly at a group of men who were drinking there. A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were also among the victims.
Mathe said it was a very unfortunate incident and added that police were only informed about it. She explained that illegal and unlicensed bars are a major problem in the country and that many mass shootings happen at these places, often putting innocent people in danger.
Police said the motive behind the attack is still unknown. No arrests have been made so far, and a manhunt is ongoing for the suspects.
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