A devastating mass shooting at an unlicensed bar in the Saulsville township, near Pretoria, has left at least 11 people dead, including three children. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, as reported by the South African Police Services. In addition to the fatalities, 14 others sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The police have not disclosed the ages of the injured individuals. The deceased children include a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that three unidentified gunmen entered the hostel where patrons were drinking and began firing indiscriminately. "At least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting," Mathe said. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as authorities continue their search for the suspects. Mathe described the establishment as an "illegal shebeen" and highlighted the ongoing issues with unlicensed liquor venues in the area. She remarked, "We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises," noting that many mass shootings occur in such locations. South Africa is grappling with one of the highest homicide rates globally, with over 26,000 homicides recorded in 2024, averaging more than 70 deaths per day. Firearms are the leading cause of death in these homicides. Despite relatively strict gun ownership laws, many violent crimes are committed with illegal firearms, according to authorities. The country has witnessed several mass shootings in recent years, particularly in bars, known locally as shebeens or taverns. Notably, a mass shooting in Soweto in 2022 resulted in the deaths of 16 people. In September of the previous year, 18 individuals were killed in two separate shootings in the Eastern Cape province, with a man charged with multiple counts of murder for using an AK-style assault rifle in those incidents.