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12 Killed, Including a 3-Year-Old and Two Teens, in Deadly Bar Shooting in Saulsville, South Africa

03:50 PM, 12/07/2025
12 Killed, Including a 3-Year-Old and Two Teens, in Deadly Bar Shooting in Saulsville, South Africa

Three gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed bar in a Saulsville hostel at about 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, killing 12 people and wounding 25. Ten victims died at the scene and two more later in hospital; among the dead were a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. Police are searching for three suspects and say the motive is unknown. Authorities noted the venue was an illegal 'shebeen' and that nearly 12,000 similar venues had been closed in recent months.

At Least 12 Dead After Gunmen Open Fire at Unlicensed Bar in Saulsville

At least 12 people were killed and 25 others wounded when three gunmen opened fire inside an unlicensed bar operating in a hostel in Saulsville, South Africa, in the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 6. Police say the attackers fired at patrons 'randomly' at about 4:30 a.m.; authorities were notified and arrived on the scene after 6:15 a.m.

Ten victims were pronounced dead at the scene and two more died later in hospital. Among the deceased were three minors: a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. SAPS spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe said the 3-year-old is the child of the bar owner and that one of the minors may be a sibling of the owner.

'Quite an unfortunate situation, but we have full faith and confidence in the team that has been established to get to the bottom of this case,' Brig. Athlenda Mathe said.

Police said they are actively searching for three suspects believed to be involved. The motive for the attack has not been determined.

Context and Investigation

Mathe told reporters that the venue was an illegal drinking establishment, commonly known in the region as a shebeen. He noted that unlicensed premises pose enforcement challenges and that nearly 12,000 such venues had been shut down between April and September as part of policing efforts.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department is assisting the South African Police Service in the investigation. Reporting on the incident was carried by The Times, the BBC and News24, and initial summaries were published by People.

What authorities have asked of the public: Anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact SAPS or local law enforcement.

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