Atteridgeville Mass Shooting: Death Toll Climbs As Bodies Collected 12 Hours After Attack

More than 12 hours after a brutal mass shooting in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, police finally began removing the bodies of the victims on Saturday afternoon.

The death toll has since risen, deepening the shock and grief in the community.

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The attack unfolded around 4am when three armed men stormed a local tavern and opened fire on patrons. Twelve people were killed, and 25 were shot in total, with survivors receiving urgent treatment at a nearby hospital.

Videos taken by residents showed a harrowing scene: bodies lying on top of one another, blood pooled across the tavern floor. Families stood by in anguish as the remains of loved ones were eventually loaded into a forensics vehicle.

Rising Death Toll Intensifies Community Outrage

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described the surge in mass shootings in Gauteng as deeply worrying.

“Of the deceased, three are minor children. The youngest are aged three, 12 and 16. We are told that the three-year-old is the child of the owner of the tavern.”

The presence of children among the victims has intensified public anger and renewed calls for decisive action against violent crime.

Manhunt Underway for Armed Suspects in Atteridgeville Mass Shooting

Mathe confirmed that police are searching for the three men believed to be behind the deadly attack. The motive remains unclear, and investigators are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

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