Who Were the Five Victims Shot in Pretoria?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five individuals were shot dead at a tavern in Pretoria.
- Authorities are searching for around 10 suspects.
- The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
- Previous incidents of violence indicate a growing concern for public safety.
- Community assistance is vital for police investigations.
Johannesburg, July 19 (NationPress) In a tragic incident on Friday night, five individuals fell victim to gunfire from unidentified assailants at a tavern located in Olievenhoutbosch, which is part of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, as reported by the Gauteng Province police on Saturday.
The attack occurred around 10:30 pm when the assailants stormed the establishment and indiscriminately opened fire, resulting in the deaths of five patrons—two women and three men—without uttering a word.
Gauteng Province police spokesperson Mavela Masondo stated, "Authorities are actively searching for approximately 10 suspects linked to this horrific crime, where five individuals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries inside the tavern at the Shoba informal settlement in Olievenhoutbosch on Friday evening."
Masondo continued by indicating that the motive behind this shocking act remains unclear. The police have initiated a murder and attempted murder investigation, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The spokesperson called on the public to assist law enforcement by providing any pertinent information that could lead to the capture of the suspects.
In a related incident last month, a shooting at a minibus taxi rank in Cape Town, the legislative hub of South Africa, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to three others.
The Western Cape provincial police reported that this shooting took place at the old taxi rank in Mfuleni, situated approximately 30 km east of the city center.
"Witnesses reported that the shooting began around 6:00 am when two gunmen unleashed a barrage of bullets. This incident is suspected to be linked to taxi conflicts," stated police spokesperson Novela Potelwa. "Among the seven victims, one injured individual is believed to be a commuter."
The Western Cape police have since increased their presence at identified taxi ranks throughout Cape Town.
In their statement, the provincial authorities announced a reward of 100,000 rand (approximately 5,635 US dollars) for any information leading to an arrest in the shooting case.
"Rest assured, all information provided will be treated confidentially, and the identities of those offering assistance will be safeguarded," Potelwa added.