MASS killing has been seen as an increasing crime in SA, allegedly fueled by gangs and other motives.
Daily Sun takes a look at mass killing incidents that continue to shock Mzansi to this day.
Bekkersdal, Gauteng, was turned into a war zone in the early hours of Sunday morning, 21 December, as a gang of 12 heartless gunmen opened fire, leaving a trail of death and a community in shock.
What was supposed to be a quiet night at Noxolo Tavern in Tambo section ended in a bloodbath when the shooters unleashed a hail of bullets just before 1am.
Ten people were gunned down, among the victims was an Uber driver who had the terrible luck of dropping off a client right as the shooting started.
He was caught in the crossfire and succumbed to his injuries, becoming one of the nine people killed in the senseless attack.
According to police, the gunmen didn't care who they hit.
As they fled the scene in a white taxi and a silver sedan, they continued to fire randomly into the street, striking innocent pedestrians who were simply walking home. By the time the dust settled, nine people lay dead, and 10 others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
In Saulsville, Tshwane, 11 people were shot dead, while the 12th person died in hospital after two days. The mass shooting happened on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at about 4am.
The number of people who were shot at a hostel in Saulsville, Tshwane, was 25, and 12 have died, and 13 were hospitalised.
National police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: "Twelve counts of murder and 13 of attempted murder have been opened by police."
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She said that the incident happened at an illegal shebeen.
"The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for three unknown suspects."
Mathe said that the forensic and ballistic experts were at the scene.
"Police are looking for three unknown suspects who entered the hostel and shooting randomly."
In Westbury, Joburg, a group of suspects is facing two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder following a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two people and left five others injured on 29 October 2025.
According to NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane, the identities of the accused are being withheld for safety and security reasons, as well as to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
"Among the accused is a 17-year-old alleged child offender who was assessed by social workers before appearing before a magistrate as part of the Preliminary Inquiry (PLI) process under the Child Justice Act."
In Cape Town, residents of Better Life informal settlement in Philippi East believe the seven men who were shot and burned to death on 17 October were targeted because they were unknown in the area. Rumours are spreading through the community that local gangsters may have suspected the men were criminals or part of a rival gang.
"The gangsters that run these streets could have suspected that they are criminals or a gang that came into their territory.
"These are stories we're hearing, but we're not sure if that's the reason for the killings. Still, the life and blood of a human being is no longer sacred in our kasi," said a resident.
The massacre happened on 17 October, Friday night, when gunmen stormed a house on Road 53 and opened fire on a group of men before setting their bodies alight. When the fire died down, police discovered seven charred bodies of men aged between 20 and 30.
The homeowner, Sisa Mateyise, said the victims were new to the area.
"Three of the men had moved in about three weeks ago. They told me they worked in Khayelitsha and were transferred to Philippi, so they wanted to live closer to work," he said.
In Bronkhorstspruit, Mpumalanga: What was meant to be a night of fun turned into a bloodbath when gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, in the early hours of Sunday morning, 5 October.
According to police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili, officers rushed to the scene at about 1.30am after reports of a mass shooting.
When they arrived, they were met with chaos, bodies lying on the ground, and terrified patrons running for safety.
Witnesses told police that two men, known in the community, walked into the tavern and demanded a licensed firearm from one of the patrons.
Moments later, a gun went off, causing panic. As people tried to escape, the suspects allegedly fired randomly into the crowd. By the time the shooting stopped, five people were dead, and six others were injured.
The wounded were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police have so far identified one of the deceased and confirmed that all the injured have been accounted for.
Brigadier Muridili confirmed that the patron whose firearm was taken during the incident will also face charges under the Firearms Control Act for negligent handling of his 9mm pistol.
