Saulsville Massacre: Survivor Recounts Terrifying 20-Minute Shooting That Wiped Out His Family

A 29-year-old Tshwane man has described the horrifying moment he lay frozen in his bed while gunmen opened fire on his family in what has become known as the Saulsville massacre. Eleven people were killed in the early-morning attack, including his uncle, two nephews and his younger brother.

Speaking to Sowetan on Sunday, the man, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said he had just returned from the bathroom around 4am when gunfire erupted in the next room. “I was terrified. I stayed in bed and didn’t move.

What gave me a bit of comfort is that the rooms are divided by bricks,” he said, tears streaming down his face.

The shooting comes weeks after a separate tavern attack in Bronkhorstspruit, about 60km from Pretoria, where five people were killed and six wounded.

Police said unknown gunmen stormed a hostel room where people had gathered for drinks and opened fire indiscriminately. The motive remains unclear.

Family Members Among Victims of Brutal Saulsville Massacre

The survivor said the 20 minutes of relentless gunfire felt endless as he remained motionless, fearing any movement would draw the shooters’ attention. When the chaos stopped, he stepped out of his room to find scenes of devastation.

“After the shooting, I opened the door, and I found my uncle [Goqo] on the ground. He was shot in the head and chest, and he was dead,” he recalled. He then moved to his sister Nomvelo’s room.

“I proceeded to Nomvelo’s room, and I found about nine bodies on the ground. I called for help, and under the bed I found my two-year-old nephew, and he was alive. It seems that he was hidden there by someone.”

His brother Sibongakonke, aged 14, nephews Elihle, 14, and Sanelisiwe Dhlomo, 3, along with his uncle Khalisakhe Goqo, all died at the scene.

Nomvelo, who owns the room where the attack happened, survived despite being shot in the chest. Two other sisters, Enhle and Amahle Zulu, were also wounded; Zulu was discharged from hospital on Sunday.

Police Probe Motive as Leaders Condemn ‘Senseless Violence’

Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed that 25 people were shot during the early-morning attack, adding that 14 survivors were taken to hospital and one later died.

She also said national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola would visit the area and local police station on Monday as investigations intensify.

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the massacre, calling it a devastating blow to families and communities.

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“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. As the Gauteng provincial government, we will not allow our communities to live in fear,” he said.

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