The community of Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, has been left in shock and deep mourning as the death toll from the horrific mass shooting at Saulsville Hostel continues to rise. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that 11 people have now died following the brutal attack, which unfolded at an illegal shebeen over the weekend. What was initially reported as 10 deaths has now increased after one of the 15 critically injured victims passed away in hospital, despite efforts by medical teams to save their life.
The scale of the tragedy has sent waves of grief through the community. A total of 25 people were shot during the attack, leaving 14 survivors who remain in hospital, some battling life-threatening injuries. Emergency workers and medical staff have been working around the clock, offering urgent care and support to the wounded. For many families, long hours in hospital corridors have become a painful wait for news about their loved ones.
Among the deceased are three minors whose lives were cut short far too soon—a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl. Their deaths have intensified public outrage and heartbreak, highlighting once again the devastating impact of violent crime on the most vulnerable members of society. The remaining eight victims were adults, many of whom were believed to be patrons or visitors at the shebeen at the time of the shooting.
SAPS has launched a large-scale manhunt for the three unknown suspects believed to be behind the attack. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that investigators are pursuing several leads while forensic and ballistic specialists continue combing the scene for crucial evidence. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but authorities say every available resource has been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Police have described the incident as one of the most disturbing acts of violence in the area in recent months. Community members have spoken out about long-standing concerns over illegal taverns and escalating crime around the hostel, urging authorities to intervene and tighten safety measures.
The mass shooting took place during a period when the Gauteng Provincial Government is rolling out its annual Festive Season Road Safety Campaign. This campaign traditionally focuses on raising awareness about responsible road use, reducing fatalities, and encouraging safer behaviour during the busy holiday period. However, the Saulsville tragedy has shifted the spotlight sharply onto the broader issue of public safety, with residents questioning how such violent attacks continue to flourish despite ongoing government initiatives.
Local leaders and community organisations are calling for increased police visibility, better regulation of illegal drinking establishments, and urgent interventions to tackle crime hotspots. Many believe that without stronger law enforcement and community partnerships, incidents like these will continue to rob families of loved ones and erode the sense of security in local neighbourhoods.
As investigations progress and families prepare to bury their loved ones, the community of Atteridgeville remains united in its demand for justice. The rising death toll serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies and stronger protections for vulnerable communities across South Africa.
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