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Gunmen attacked a hostel in Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including a three-year-old child, according to police reports.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of mass shootings that have alarmed the country of 63 million people.
“I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,” police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said, adding that 14 had been hospitalised.
Ten victims were pronounced dead at the scene in the Saulsville township, located 18 kilometres (11 miles) west of Pretoria, while one more succumbed to injuries in the hospital, she noted.
Around 4:30 am (0230 GMT), three gunmen entered the establishment and opened fire indiscriminately at a group of men who were drinking. Among the deceased were a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old.
“Quite an unfortunate incident. Police were only alerted to this incident at around 6 o’clock,” Mathe added.
The reason behind the shooting remains unclear, and no suspects have been apprehended.
South Africa, the most industrialised country on the continent, is facing deep-rooted issues of crime and corruption linked to organised crime syndicates. While many individuals possess licensed firearms for self-defence, there is a concerning prevalence of illegal weapons circulating in the community.
According to police statistics, around 63 people lost their lives each day between April and September.
