Suspected Saulsville mass shooters within reach, says top cop

NATIONAL police commissioner Fannie Masemola says his officers have an idea of what could have led to the killing of 12 people in Saulsville Hostel, Pretoria where gunmen also wounded 13 others at an illegal shebeen at the weekend.

“We are still investigating the motive of this incident, we do have an idea of what may have led to this incident, however intelligence is still gathering and analysing information that has been received. In no time, we are confident that we will find these three suspects.

"We have registered 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder cases. We have also charged the owner of the room who is one of the injured and is in hospital for operating a tavern without a valid liquor license," he said when briefing the media following his visit to the scene on Monday.  

Among the 12, eight were from the Khanyile family. Three of their children aged 3, 12, and 16 were killed in the mass shooting. 

Masemola said mass shootings at illegal establishments in Gauteng were becoming a deep concern for police. 

The Saulsville mass shooting is the third incident of such a nature since July. 

In July in Olivenhoutbosch, where six people were killed, the shebeen owner was arrested for operating illegally in liquor and one suspect has since been identified. The suspect is currently arrested and detained in Lesotho on a separate murder case. The SAPS is currently engaging INTERPOL in both countries. 

In Bronkhorstpruit where five people were killed at Zithobeni tavern, two people have since been arrested and are still in custody. 

Police have shut down 101 illegal and unlicensed shebeens and taverns in the Atteridgeville police station precinct (which include Sousville), from April.

Eleven of those were closed down in the last four weeks. 

“With the latest incident, we do agree that we must indeed intensify these operations to ensure that we leave nothing to chance,” he said.

Reflecting on safer festive season operations across the country, Masemola said out of a total of 51 844 liquor establishments inspected, 3 665 illegal taverns and shebeens have been shut down and 6 641 suspects have been arrested for selling liquor illegally since October. 

Police have also seized and disposed of 297 804 litres of alcohol found to be sold illegally. 

“Indeed, alcohol and drugs remain one of the main drivers of violent crime including murders, assault GBH, as well as domestic violence related cases. This is exactly why we are constantly intensifying our operations to deal decisively with those who are found to be not in compliance with the liquor act and those that are found to be in possession of drugs,” he said. 

Cape Times