Pretoria in Mourning: 11 Dead, 14 Wounded as Gunmen Storm Hostel in Saulsville – A Nation Demands Answers.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published on saharaweeklyng.com

“Shocking mass-shooting at illegal “SHEBEEN” hostel bar exposes deep-rooted crisis of crime, guns and social decay in South Africa.”

In the early hours of Saturday, December 6, 2025, the township of Saulsville (located in Atteridgeville, some 18 kilometres west of Pretoria) was once again plunged into grief and outrage. A group of armed men forced their way into a hostel that doubled as an illegal “SHEBEEN” (bar) and unleashed indiscriminate gunfire on dozens of unsuspecting patrons. By the time the smoke cleared, at least 11 people lay dead and 14 more were wounded with many seriously. Among the dead were three children: a 3-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. The youngest victim reportedly belonged to the owner of the shebeen.

According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), at least three unknown gunmen entered the hostel shortly after 4:15 a.m. local time and began firing randomly at a group of people who were drinking. In total, police say 25 individuals were shot, 14 of them seriously enough to be hospitalised.

By afternoon, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that one more victim had succumbed to their wounds in hospital with raising the death toll to 12. Investigators from the Forensic and Ballistics Units combed the scene of horror, while a manhunt was launched for the suspects.

A Painful Reflection of a Broader Crisis. This brutal massacre is not an isolated horror. Rather, it is part of a deeply troubling pattern that has come to define too many corners of contemporary South Africa is where illegal liquor venues, unlicensed firearms, poverty and gang violence converge in a deadly cocktail.

As Mathe lamented: “We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises. Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire.”

Crime statistics bear that out starkly. South Africa, already burdened by one of the highest murder rates globally, registered more than 26,000 murders in 2024 alone which is an average of over 70 killings per day.

Between April and September 2025, police say they shut down nearly 12,000 unlicensed liquor outlets nationwide and arrested over 18,000 people for illegal liquor sales, a massive but clearly insufficient effort to curb the carnage.

Yet still the violence rages on. The Saulsville massacre is merely the latest in a string of mass shootings that have shaken townships and urban areas across the country with each attack a grim reminder of the fragility of safety for ordinary South Africans.

The Human Cost: Lives Lost, Families Torn Apart. Among the dead were very young children (a three-year-old boy, a 12-year-old, a 16-year-old girl) lives extinguished in an instant of cruelty and recklessness. Imagine the anguish of parents who sent their children out for what they thought would be a normal night but only to have that night end in horror. Imagine the siblings whose homecoming never came. Imagine a community which is already battered by decades of inequality, joblessness and marginalization is been confronted once more with the abyss of violence.

These are not faceless statistics. These are mothers, fathers, siblings, children, they are real people whose stories now ended in grief.

As social-justice scholar Khaya Moyo recently argued, “When violence is normalised, the humanity of its victims is erased and they become just numbers in crime statistics.” His words echo painfully in the wake of Saulsville.

Root Causes: Guns, Poverty, Illicit Economy and the Failure of Oversight. To understand how this horror could occur (and recur) one must confront a network of systemic failures.

Illegal and unregulated liquor outlets (“shebeens”) (often run out of desperation in impoverished areas) operate under the radar of law enforcement and regulation. Their unlicensed status makes them vulnerable to criminal infiltration: drug deals, gang recruitment, turf wars and extortion. According to police, these venues have become “HOTBEDS” of violence.

Proliferation of illegal firearms compounds the danger. Despite strict gun-control laws on paper, South Africa remains awash with illicit weapons. This enables petty disputes (or organized crime conflicts) to escalate rapidly into mass slaughter. As criminologist Jane Ndungu has observed: “In communities where livelihoods are precarious, guns become the ultimate currency and life becomes cheap.”

Poverty, unemployment and social marginalisation are the fertile soil in which this lethal mix grows. High levels of youth unemployment, inadequate housing, lack of recreational outlets and limited economic opportunity leave many with few prospects and many more vulnerable to predatory crime networks.

Weak regulation and enforcement have failed to close the door on illegal shebeens, guns and criminal networks. Even though thousands of unlicensed liquor venues were shut down this year, information suggests many remain active, while some reopen shortly after closure. The resources allocated to policing and oversight seem outmatched by the scale of the problem.

Why This Attack Demands National Outrage and Real Action. The blood spilled in Saulsville is not simply the result of unfortunate circumstance: it is emblematic of a national crisis that demands far more than condolence statements or momentary outrage. It requires fundamental, systemic change.

First, a comprehensive crackdown on illegal liquor outlets and the illicit economy. Authorities must vastly expand resources for enforcement, regulation, and community-level monitoring and not just reactive lockdowns but proactive disruption of criminal networks.

Second, a serious effort to disarm illicit firearms. Gun amnesty programmes, effective policing of illegal arms trafficking and cooperation between law-enforcement, local communities and civil society organisations must be prioritized as a national security emergency.

Third, meaningful social and economic investment in vulnerable communities. Poverty, inequality and marginalization cannot be addressed by policing alone. Government and civil society must create pathways to employment, education, stable housing, recreation and community development, so that young people do not see illegal shebeens or criminal networks as their only recourse.

Fourth, community empowerment and social accountability. Citizens must be encouraged and protected if they speak out against illicit operations in their neighbourhoods. Local civic organisations, churches, schools and grassroots movements must be supported to reclaim community spaces from criminal exploitation.

As author and human-rights advocate Lindiwe Ndlovu once wrote: “When communities are allowed to rot in silence, violence becomes the language of despair.” If Saulsville does not stir the nation from that silence, then we are complicit in its decay.

Summative Insight: A Nation at a Crossroads. The massacre at Saulsville is not just another tragic headline to scroll past. It is a stark warning and a painful, blood-stained alarm bell. It must shake the conscience of every South African who still believes in the dignity of human life, the sanctity of childhood and the promise of a safer society.

Eleven innocent souls, including children, were killed. Fourteen more lie in hospital, fighting for their lives. Families have been shattered. Communities traumatized. Trust in safety eroded. This is a moment that demands more than grief. It demands outrage. It demands accountability. And above all, it demands action.

If we fail to respond, we risk letting this massacre become just another statistic, just another page in the ledger. But if we respond (with resolve, compassion and justice) perhaps we can begin to turn the tide.

May the memories of the victims of Saulsville challenge us (as a nation, as a society) to confront the rot, to demand better, to build a future where no child goes to a shebeen, or a hostel, or a bar fearing for their life again.

CCC Ogo Ayo Cathedral Marks 32nd Adult Harvest With A “Harvest of Appreciation” And Special Ordination Ceremony

Celestial Church of Christ, Ogo Ayo Cathedral (Shekinah Crusader), is set to host its 32nd Adult Harvest & Thanksgiving on December 14, 2025, under the theme “Harvest of Appreciation”, inspired by Psalm 100:4. The event will take place at the church auditorium located at Km 2 Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Opic Bus Stop, Opic, Ogun State, with the service scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. prompt.

This year’s harvest carries a deeper sense of gratitude, reflecting on God’s preservation, provision, and enduring faithfulness throughout the year. As one of the most significant annual events in the cathedral’s calendar, the celebration draws both members and the wider community together in worship, thanksgiving, and joyful reflection.

The harvest will also feature a rich lineup of gospel ministers and music personalities who are expected to elevate the worship atmosphere. Among those set to grace the occasion are Atorishe, Shina Peters, Dare Melody, Kayslik, Apekeola, Megga 99, Segun Nabbi, Queen Busola Oke, and Esther Igbekele, alongside several others from the gospel music community. Their presence highlights the cathedral’s longstanding relationship with artistes who continue to support its spiritual and cultural engagements.

In addition to the musical performances and thanksgiving observances, this year’s event will host a special ordination ceremony. MIC Erelu Oladoyin Kolade, wife of Apesin Lanre Kolade, will be formally ordained as the Grand Matron of the cathedral. A respected community figure, she also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sammy T Ventures. Her ordination adds ceremonial depth to the day, underscoring the cathedral’s commitment to honouring service, leadership, and spiritual dedication within its fold.

Beyond the ceremonies, the 32nd Harvest of Appreciation promises a communal experience rooted in the traditions of the Celestial Church of Christ. The atmosphere typically blends reverence with celebration—families dressed in white garments, the choir’s ringing harmonies, and the symbolic harvest procession that marks the high point of the event. For many worshippers, it is a moment to reconnect with their faith and to acknowledge the blessings that have carried them through the year.

Ogo Ayo Cathedral has also strengthened its digital presence, ensuring that members who are unable to attend physically can still participate. The church’s online platforms continue to serve as a bridge for worshippers within and outside the country, especially during major celebrations like this.

The 32nd Adult Harvest & Thanksgiving stands as another milestone in the cathedral’s history—a testament to growth, unity, and unbroken faith. With its strong theme, vibrant programme, and a congregation eager to give thanks, the event is expected to deliver a memorable and spiritually enriching experience.

Amb (Dr) Samuel Olorunfunmi Adekoya Bags Multiple Awards and International Honors, Announces New Training Opportunities.

Dr. Samuel Olorunfunmi Adekoya has been recognized with several distinguished international awards celebrating his leadership, humanitarian contributions, and peace advocacy work across nations.

Amb. Dr.) Samuel O. Adekoya who is the Rector of *Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance & Prophetic Ministry Int.* A Non-Denominational Ministry where hundreds of God’s army are trained and equipped for the work of the ministry. Where the ministry focuses on empowering the clergy and laity in Practical Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Strategies; teaching them how to spiritually map their environments for lasting peace, harmony and victory.

One of the most recent honors he received is an organisation called Heart To Heart Mentoring Int’l, gave him a Mentorship Award. Another Award is the HBIUS President’s Lifetime Achievement and Black Excellence Award took place in August 4, 2024 at the Hartford Marriott in Connecticut, the ceremony is framed as a celebration of outstanding achievers whose work has strengthened communities and inspired broader societal progress. The text on the award materials positions Dr. Adekoya as one of the individuals recognized for sustained service and excellence.

In December 2023, his leadership contributions were further highlighted by Samuel Wright University USA through the presentation of its Leadership Global Award. The certificate accompanying this recognition praises his influence in the global educational space and acknowledges his efforts in promoting human rights and fostering peaceful coexistence. The university’s statement emphasizes his impact on leadership development and his commitment to creating stability and understanding across nations.

His earlier designation as an Eminent Peace Ambassador, awarded in November 2019 by the International Association of World Peace Advocates, forms another cornerstone of his growing global profile. According to the chartered fellowship document associated with the appointment, the role aligns him with international efforts advocating the right of people to live in peace.

Early this year,, in March 2025, Christian Benefits Magazine, by Dr Wole Olarinde honored him with Benefits Awards For Missionary Excellence (BAME).

This recognition is presented as a testament to his longstanding involvement in peace-oriented initiatives and his readiness to support conflict-resolution efforts on a global scale.

Alongside these honors, Dr. Adekoya continues to advance leadership and spiritual development as the founder of the Pentecost Truth School of Deliverance, a non-denominational training institution under Pentecost Truth Ministries. The school has initiated a new round of applications for its specialized programs, which are designed to equip individuals who feel called to ministry or spiritual leadership. The institution describes itself as a specialized ministerial training center for those aspiring to serve their churches, communities, or nations with deeper spiritual insight and capacity.

The school has just graduated 2025 set in all the three classes last Saturday 6th December 2025

The school’s mission is rooted in the conviction that this generation requires spiritually grounded leaders capable of addressing emerging social and moral challenges. Its stated mandate—“Mobilizing God’s End-time Army for end time battles”—reflects an approach centered on preparation, resilience, and doctrinal depth. Guided by the principle “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,” the school positions itself as a beacon for those seeking to combine spiritual empowerment with practical leadership skills.

Collectively, these awards and institutional developments portray a figure engaged in shaping the future of spiritual leadership while maintaining a visible presence in peace advocacy and global education. As applications open for the next phase of training at his ministerial school, Dr. Adekoya’s expanding influence continues to intersect with issues of community transformation, international collaboration, and the grooming of emerging leaders for service in an increasingly complex world.