12 Dead in Saulsville: Hunt Intensifies for Tavern Gunmen

Horror in Saulsville

Tshwane woke up to heartbreak and outrage after news of a mass shooting at an illegal tavern in Saulsville on Saturday morning. The tragedy claimed the lives of 12 people, including three minors, with victims aged three, 12, and 16, and left 13 others hospitalized following the attack.

Police have confirmed that three unidentified gunmen opened fire on patrons, leaving a community in shock and mourning.

“This is a painful moment for Saulsville and the entire city. There can be no justification for such brutality, especially when it claims the life of a child,” said Tshwane MMC for community safety Hannes Coetzee.

The manhunt begins

Authorities are leaving no stone unturned. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, confirmed that police have launched a manhunt for the shooters. The Tshwane Metro Police Department has pledged full support to local officers as the investigation unfolds.

Residents have been urged to come forward with any information. Preliminary reports indicate the shooting took place at an unlicensed liquor establishment, commonly referred to as a “shebeen,” highlighting the challenges of illegal taverns in dense urban communities.

Community shock and calls for action

Social media in Tshwane lit up with outrage and sorrow as residents shared their disbelief. Many voiced concerns over safety in Saulsville and surrounding townships, calling for stricter enforcement against illegal drinking establishments.

“How can a 3-year-old be caught in this madness? Our children deserve protection, not fear,” tweeted one local resident.

Criminal law expert Cornelia van Graan emphasized that gun violence in townships is not just a policing issue but also a socioeconomic challenge. She called for regional and national crime prevention strategies and closer collaboration between crime intelligence and law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the DA’s Gauteng spokesperson for community safety, Crezane Bosch, criticized local police infrastructure, noting that stations like Atteridgeville are sometimes locked at night, leaving densely populated communities vulnerable to violent crime.

“These areas require fully resourced police stations operational around the clock. Locking a station at night is simply unacceptable,” Bosch said.

A community in mourning

For Saulsville residents, the aftermath is heavy. Families are grieving, and the broader community is grappling with the horror of losing both children and adults in one devastating act. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in township safety, illegal taverns, and gun violence in Gauteng.

As police continue their manhunt, the city faces the dual challenge of bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing similar tragedies, while residents hope for swifter responses to protect vulnerable communities.

{Source: The Citizen}

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