National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says the arrest of three suspects is imminent following the mass shooting at a tavern in Saulsville, Pretoria, which left 12 people dead and 13 others injured. Masemola confirmed that one of the suspects is a parolee who was released in September this year after serving time for various crimes.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when three gunmen entered a tavern at the local hostel and opened fire on patrons. The motive for the attack has not yet been established. Masemola also revealed that the tavern owner, who was shot three times and is currently in hospital, has been charged, although further details on the charges have not been released.
Masemola said police are working to determine what led to the incident. He indicated that while the motive remains unclear, investigators have some idea of what might have triggered the shooting. “Intelligence is still gathering and analyzing information that has been received. In no time, we are confident we will find the three suspects, and we do have an idea who they are,” he said.
A family member who lost three relatives in the shooting described the tragedy as devastating and said it has torn their family apart. The relative, who asked not to be named, said they are desperate for answers. “I have lost three souls in my home — my little brother and two nephews. My two sisters and several nephews are still in hospital. The three who died were already gone when I arrived, and what I found here was a terrible situation,” the family member said.
Police investigations are ongoing.
