11 Killed, 14 Injured In Pretoria Tavern Shooting

At least 11 people have been killed at a tavern, also known as a shebeen, in the informal settlement of Saulsville in Atteridgeville in Pretoria, with another 14 injured following a shooting in the early hours of Saturday.

The South African police said they have launched a manhunt following the incident, which occurred at an illegal shebeen.

“25 shot, 11 confirmed dead, 14 survivors and all are in the hospital. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for three unknown suspects,” SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

She added that three minors are among those deceased, which include 3 and 12-year-old boy, 16-year-old female.

“The rest of those deceased are adults. The incident happened at an illegal shebeen,” Mathe said.

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She said the incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m, but police were only alerted around 6:00 a.m.

“We immediately mobilised our resources, including forensic and ballistics experts, who were already at the scene. Our detectives and the Serious and Violent Crime Unit are piecing together information on what may have led to this shooting.”

Mathe said at least three unknown gunmen entered the hostel, where a group of people were drinking, and began shooting randomly.

She highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by illegal and unlicensed liquor premises.

“Between April and September this year, we shut down 11,975 unlicensed liquor outlets nationwide and arrested more than 18,676 people found selling liquor illegally.”

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The unlicensed liquor stores were shut down during nationwide operations conducted by Operation Shanela, she said.

“These establishments are often where mass shootings occur, as arguments escalate into gunfire and innocent people are caught in the crossfire.”

Mathe said police are continuing their investigation into the motive and have deployed maximum resources to track down those responsible.

This is the second tavern shooting in Pretoria over a period of two months. In October, five people were killed at a tavern in Zithobeni, in Bronkhorstspruit. Two men allegedly entered the establishment in search of a patron carrying a licensed firearm.

During the botched robbery, the suspects reportedly opened fire at random, killing five people and wounding six others.

South Africa has witnessed several devastating mass shootings at taverns over the past decade, often linked to gang violence, turf wars, or indiscriminate attacks. These incidents highlight persistent challenges with illegal firearms and community safety. Below are five of the most notable cases:

1. Enyobeni Tavern Shooting (June 26, 2022, Scenery Park, East London)

21 young patrons, mostly teenagers aged 12-20, died in a crowded shebeen during a night of celebration. Initial suspicions of a stampede were ruled out; investigations pointed to possible toxic gas from overcrowding or mass panic, though no gunfire was confirmed. The tragedy sparked national outrage over underage drinking and venue safety, leading to arrests of the owners.​

2. Soweto Orlando East Tavern Massacre (July 10, 2022)

Gunmen arrived in a minibus taxi and opened fire with high-caliber rifles and pistols at patrons in a Soweto bar, killing 15 and injuring 11. Victims were shot at random while socializing; police noted multiple shooters based on cartridge evidence. The attack occurred amid township gang tensions.​

3. Pietermaritzburg Tavern Shooting (July 9, 2022)

Two men entered a bar and fired indiscriminately, killing 4 and wounding 8. This incident, hours before the Soweto attack, raised fears of coordinated violence, though no direct link was established. Police described it as a random assault on customers.​

4. Katlehong Tavern Shooting (July 8, 2022)

2 people were gunned down in a Katlehong tavern, part of the deadly weekend spree that claimed 21 lives across three Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal venues. Amnesty International called for thorough probes amid a “shocking lack of concern for the right to life.”​

5. Gqeberha Tavern Shooting (January 12, 2025)

Six men were killed and one woman was wounded in a mass shooting at a tavern in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape. The attack underscores ongoing firearm proliferation in nightlife settings.​

These events, clustered particularly in 2022, prompted calls for stricter gun controls and police action, yet similar violence persists.