Saulsville mass shooting claims 3 children from one family

THE Khanyile family had eight of its members shot when gunmen stormed the Saulsville hostel home, west of Pretoria on Saturday morning.

Three of their children aged 3, 12, and 16 were among the 12 people killed in the mass shooting while 14 others were wounded. 

The police have launched a manhunt for three suspects and are investigating 12 counts of murder and 14 of attempted murder.

Sabelo Khanyile's sister, the owner of the tavern, was shot three times and is receiving treatment.

"Although she sustained injuries, she still responded very well to the treatment," Sabelo said, adding that he was in the dark about the motive of the shooting.

He said the three children, who were shot dead, were asleep when the killers stormed the drinking establishment.

Another family member Sandile Khanyile said they are still trying to process the tragedy. 

The family, originally from Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal, is focusing on supporting their loved ones in hospital.

He said the family is not in a position to comment on the motive, but could talk about their hospitalised family members' conditions.

"If this thing is tough for outsiders like you, imagine how we're feeling. We're sleeping at my sister's house, but we're scared someone's watching us and might come after us next,” he said.

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m when three unknown gunmen entered the hostel, where a group of people were drinking, and began shooting randomly.

The police were only alerted around 6am.

“We immediately mobilised our resources, including forensic and ballistics experts, who were already at the scene. Our detectives and the Serious and Violent Crime Unit are piecing together information on what may have led to this shooting.”

She said illegal liquor establishments were often where mass shootings occurred, as arguments escalate into gunfire and innocent people are caught in the crossfire.

Gauteng Premier Lesufi has described the murders as heartbreaking and unacceptable acts of criminality that have no place in the Gauteng Province.

“We are distressed by the loss of innocent lives, including young children, in this senseless act of violence. Our hearts go out to the families who are grieving today. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we will not allow our communities to live in fear,” he said.

Cape Times