Five Killed in Pretoria Tavern Mass Shooting as Police Hunt 10 Suspects

Johannesburg, July 19 — In a shocking incident, five people were shot and killed by unknown attackers on Friday night at a tavern in Olievenhoutbosch, a township in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital.

According to Gauteng Province police, the shooting took place around 10:30 p.m. when a group of gunmen entered the tavern and started shooting without saying anything. Three men and two women were killed, and three others were injured.

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said, “We are looking for about 10 suspects who entered the tavern and opened fire. A murder and attempted murder case has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.”

He also requested the public’s help in identifying or locating the attackers. People with any information have been urged to come forward, and their identities will be kept confidential.

The motive behind the attack is still unknown, and police have not confirmed if it was gang-related, a robbery, or linked to another ongoing issue.

This is not the first recent case of mass violence in South Africa. Last month, a similar shooting happened in Cape Town, where four people were killed and three injured at a minibus taxi rank in Mfuleni, about 30 km from the city center.

That shooting took place early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m., when two gunmen opened fire. Police suspect the Cape Town shooting was related to taxi industry conflicts, which are common in some parts of the country.

To prevent further violence, police in Western Cape have increased security at major taxi ranks in Cape Town. A 100,000 rand (about $5,635 USD) reward was also offered for any useful information about that attack.

Both incidents have highlighted South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, particularly in public spaces like taverns and transport hubs.

Police are urging communities to help bring the criminals to justice and restore safety to their neighborhoods.