The number of people who were killed in a shooting at Saulsville Hostel, in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, early on Saturday, has now risen to 12, with the latest person confirmed to have died in hospital.
“Number of deceased has risen to 12. The 12th person died in hospital this afternoon,” SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed on Saturday afternoon.
The police previously confirmed that the shooting occurred at an illegal tavern in the area.
Earlier, police had reported that ten people had died and more than ten were injured and taken to the hospital.
In an update at the scene, Mathe said the total number of people shot was 25, with 11 confirmed dead at that time – ten at the scene and one later in hospital.
“The youngest deceased is three years old. We’ve also got a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old among the dead, while the remaining eight are adults,” Mathe said.
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.”
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.
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