Seven people were shot dead in the early hours of Saturday in a mass shooting at a restaurant in Nelspruit (340 km from Pretoria), South Africa, police revealed.
“Earlier on Saturday, a group of unknown gunmen opened fire on a restaurant in Pienaar, near Nelspruit before fleeing,” said provincial police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane.
He said six people died on the spot, while another succumbed to his injuries in hospital, noting that several other people were injured in this incident.
“Among the dead were six men and a woman,” said Mr. Ndubane.
Nelspruit security and community liaison officer Jackie Macie said two people had been arrested and taken in for questioning.
“We are concerned about the number of illegal firearms in circulation in the province,” he said.
South Africa is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with only 30% of citizens reporting feeling safe in the country.
South Africa recorded 6,545 murders in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the Police Department. “Over the last four quarters, South Africa recorded 27,016 murders and 53,061 sexual offenses,” Minister Senzo Mchunu said at a press briefing to present quarterly crime statistics.
