By Levy Masiteng
The number of deceased has risen to 12 after a victim hospitalised following Saturday’s attack at an illegal shebeen in Saulsville, Pretoria, died.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the killings, describing them as “heart-breaking” and “unacceptable”.
“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,” Lesufi said.
According to reports, the attack, which occurred at around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, was carried out by three gunmen who opened fire on a group of people drinking at the illegally operating hostel-based shebeen.
Three minors, aged three, 12, and 16, were among the victims.
Lesufi said that the murders have shaken the province and added that such brutality has no place in Gauteng.
He also raised concerns about illegal liquor outlets, saying that they often become magnets for criminal activities and create unsafe environments.
“We strongly condemn the lawlessness that thrives in such spaces,” Lesufi said.
The provincial government, together with law enforcement, will intensify operations targeting both legal and illegal alcohol establishments to ensure full compliance with the law, he said.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe reported that between April and September this year, authorities shut down 11,975 unlicensed liquor premises throughout the country and arrested more than 18,676 individuals found to be selling liquor illegally.
Recently, the Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya shut down several illegal businesses in Pretoria, which included some outlets selling alcohol without valid licences.
Ipi Ntombi, a prominent venue operating in the Pretoria inner-city, was one of the outlets shut down for violating city bylaws and operating as an illegal brothel where fake alcohol was also being sold.
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