A mass shooting at an unlicensed bar in the Saulsville township, near Pretoria, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including three children. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 2, 2024, and has left 14 others injured, according to a statement from the South African Police Services. The victims were reportedly transported to local hospitals for treatment, although authorities did not disclose details regarding their ages.
The deceased children include a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. In the aftermath of the shooting, police confirmed that they are actively searching for three suspects believed to be involved in the attack.
Gun Violence in South Africa
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates globally, with over 26,000 recorded homicides in 2024, averaging more than 70 murders per day. Firearms are the leading cause of death in these incidents. Although the nation has relatively strict gun ownership laws, many violent crimes are committed using illegal firearms, according to local authorities.
The country, home to approximately 62 million people, has witnessed a troubling trend of mass shootings in recent years. Incidents similar to the Saulsville shooting have occurred at bars, often referred to as shebeens or taverns in South Africa. One notable case took place in 2022 in Soweto, where 16 people lost their lives in a similar attack.
In September 2023, a particularly horrific incident involved mass shootings at two separate residences in the Eastern Cape province, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, 15 of whom were women. A man was subsequently charged with 18 counts of murder for allegedly using an AK-style assault rifle in that incident.
As the investigation into the Saulsville shooting continues, the South African community is left grappling with the repeated tragedies of gun violence and its devastating impact on families and neighborhoods.
