Saulsville Mass Shooting: SAPS Identifies 3 Suspects Wanted for Attack, Citizens Call for Arrests
- The South African Police Service has provided an update about the recent mass shooting in Saulsville, which left 12 people dead
- The victims were killed when armed men opened fire indiscriminately at an illegal tavern inside a hostel on 6 December 2025
- South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the police's attempts to bring those responsible to book
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The South African Police Service (SAPS) have identified the suspects behind the deadly mass shooting in Saulsville near Atteridgeville in the City of Tshwane.
A total of 12 people were killed in the mass shooting, which happened at an illegal tavern inside a hostel on 6 December 2025. 13 people were injured and rushed to the hospital after three armed men stormed the illegal tavern at approximately 4 am and opened fire indiscriminately.
Police identify the suspects wanted for the shooting
Speaking at a media briefing on 8 December 2025, Major General Fannie Masemola confirmed that police identified the three men wanted for the deadly shooting. The National Police Commissioner made the announcement at a media briefing in Saulsville, where the tragedy took place. He also discussed the murder of Marius van der Merwe at the same press briefing.
General Masemola also confirmed that one of the men the police were looking for was released on parole.
“One of the suspects we are looking for is a parolee who was released in September this year for various crimes and is reportedly connected to the others,” General Masemola said.
He added that police were still investigating the motive for the shooting, but did have a good idea of what may have led to this incident.
The youngest victim was only 3 years old
Police also confirmed that three children were among the 12 victims of the mass shooting, including the three-year-old child of the illegal shebeen owner.
The other two minors were 12 and 16. Ten victims died at the scene, while the other two succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Police have registered 12 counts of murder and 14 of attempted murder.
Source: Twitter
South Africans respond to the update
Social media users responded to General Masemola’s update, but some were not impressed that no arrests had been made.
@LaFIIRE said:
“As long as arrests aren't made, that statement remains invalid.”
@Ms_Tcmathonsi stated:
“We want them arrested now.”
@main_man4 asked:
“Why not host the press conference once the guy is arrested?”
@EbsaMarket58217 questioned:
“He was on parole? Clearly, he should not have been paroled at all.”
@BonganiMkhawane said:
“Identified but not yet arrested. 12 lives were lost. If he was released in September on parole, his parole officer has all the information.”
@PureFaith3 added:
“Parolees strike again.”
@KabeloMash6801 agreed with those sentiments:
“We are going nowhere with this parole and bail thing, ai.”
@TboozeSA asked:
“So, now that the suspect knows they’ve been identified, do the police expect him to sit and wait to get arrested? Spoiling actual investigators' work with unnecessary press conferences.”
@XUFFLER emphasised:
“We must review our bail and parole system.”
Two teenagers killed in mass shooting in Westbury
Briefly News reported that two teenagers were killed following a mass shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg.
The youngsters were among a group that was targeted in the shooting in the area on 21 October 2025.
Five others were injured in the shooting, with one of the victims said to be in critical condition in the hospital.
Source: Briefly News
