Mass shootings now 'norm' in SA

2019-2023: OVER 9 000 KILLED IN SUCH INCIDENTS

- Thando Nondywana

The frequency of mass shootings in South Africa has risen sharply, painting a grim picture of increasing violence.

In the latest incident, eight people were killed on Saturday at a tavern in Pienaar township, near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, when shooting erupted out among patrons.

The shootout was gang-related, according to Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison MEC Jackie Macie.

Between 2019 and 2023, over 9 000 people lost their lives in mass shootings across the country, according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who shared this information during a parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi.

The 2023-2024 period recorded the highest number of victims, with 2 859 fatalities, an increase from the previous year's 2 524.

Mchunu said: "In total, 9 073 victims were killed over the five-year period, and 218 individuals were injured in multiple shooting incidents.

"A total of 1 986 arrests were made in connection with these cases. Of the 143 multiple murder cases, 22 illegal firearms have been linked to these crimes."