A wave of fear has gripped the Atteridgeville and Saulsville communities following a horrific mass shooting at the Saulsville hostel in western Pretoria. The brutal attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, left 12 people dead and 13 others injured, sparking outrage and calls for urgent action to address the area's escalating violence.
The motive behind the massacre remains unclear, and fearful residents are reluctant to speak out, fearing for their safety. The chilling aftermath of the attack was captured in a graphic video circulating on community WhatsApp groups, depicting bodies strewn across a blood-soaked hostel room alongside a beer crate and shattered bottles.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that authorities have opened cases of murder and attempted murder. Among the deceased is a three-year-old child, believed to be the offspring of the tavern owner where the shooting took place.
According to police reports, three unidentified gunmen stormed into the hostel at approximately 4 am and unleashed a barrage of gunfire on a group of people who were socialising and drinking. However, authorities were only alerted to the incident two hours later.
A resident living near Block W2, the site of the attack, recounted the terror that gripped her home as bullets pierced the night. "When we heard the gunshots, I took my children and made them lie on the floor to hide. After some minutes of quiet, we heard a cry," she said, describing the moment neighbours realised the extent of the carnage. The woman's scream alerted neighbours to the tragedy, prompting them to investigate.
Community safety activist Emmanuel Sebata, chairperson of the Concerned Atteridgeville and Saulsville Team, expressed the community's shock and dismay at the unprecedented level of violence. "This is a very disturbing matter," he said. "We need to come together as the Atteridgeville and Saulsville communities to fight this. Atteridgeville has never received such a thing since it was established, and we cannot allow it now."
Sebata highlighted the long-standing safety concerns surrounding the hostel area. "Every week you hear of something. The hostel is not a safe area. We hope this is the last time something like this happens."
In response to the escalating violence, the community plans to submit a memorandum on December 15, demanding immediate changes at the local police station. "We hope whoever did this will be arrested. A three-year-old innocent child had nothing to do with any of this. We cannot allow such things to continue," Sebata emphasised.
The community is demanding increased police presence, improved street lighting, and regular patrols in the area surrounding the hostel. They are also calling for stricter regulations on alcohol sales and the closure of illegal shebeens that operate in the vicinity.
The mass shooting has ignited a wave of anger and frustration among residents, who feel that their safety has been neglected for too long. Many are demanding answers from local authorities and calling for a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of violence in the area.
As police investigations continue, the community of Atteridgeville and Saulsville is left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The loss of innocent lives, including a young child, has left an indelible mark on the community, and residents are determined to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The community's upcoming memorandum and planned actions reflect their resolve to hold authorities accountable and create a safer environment for all.
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