In a horrifying scene that has shocked the nation, South African police confirmed that eight people were shot dead in a bar late Sunday night, describing the victims as being found “lying in a pool of blood.” The attack occurred in the town of Botshabelo in the Free State province.
According to police officials, unidentified gunmen stormed into the local tavern just before midnight and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities say a manhunt is now underway for the suspects.
Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, said officers arrived at the scene to find “eight lifeless bodies scattered on the floor, all showing multiple gunshot wounds.” Preliminary reports suggest that two gunmen were involved, and they fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
“This is a deeply tragic and senseless act of violence,” Makhele stated. “We are doing everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.”
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but officials believe they were all local residents between the ages of 20 and 40. Several families have gathered at the local morgue seeking answers, as forensic teams work to complete their investigations.
South Africa has long struggled with high rates of gun violence and has seen several deadly bar shootings in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and gun control enforcement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has yet to comment on the latest tragedy, but opposition leaders have called for urgent action to address the country’s spiraling violence and improve policing in high-risk areas.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward. In the meantime, the community of Botshabelo mourns the loss of eight innocent lives in one of the region’s deadliest attacks in recent memory.
