Atteridgeville mass shooting: More than 10 victims fighting for their lives in hospital

More than 10 people who were shot in a mass shooting in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, are still fighting for their lives in hospital.

Twelve people were killed when three gunmen stormed a tavern at a hostel in the township in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A total of 25 people were shot, including minors aged three, 12 and 16.

According to witnesses and community members, the three men stormed in and started shooting randomly at patrons who had been drinking at a tavern at about 4am on Saturday.

ALSO READ:

• - Death toll ticks up in Atteridgeville hostel mass shooting
• - Police note alarming increase in mass murders at unlicensed Gauteng taverns

Community members claim that even those who tried to flee the tavern in fear for their lives were also pointed at with guns and shot at close range.

Videos shared by community members show several bodies in the tavern, piled on top of one another with blood visible on the floor.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said a manhunt has been launched for the three gunmen.

“It’s quite an unfortunate situation, but we have got full faith and confidence in the team that has been established to get to the bottom of this case.”

The three-year-old who was shot and killed is the child of the tavern owner. The owner is among those fighting for their lives in hospital.