By REGINALD KANYANE
7 December 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said it is horrified by the massacre of people killed during an attack at the Saulsville hostel west of Pretoria, which it described as a senseless brutal act of terror. The death toll rose from 11 to 12 after one more victim from the early Saturday morning shooting died in hospital.
The Union Council of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches called on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the indiscriminate shooting of hostel dwellers that included a three-year-old child, 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl are unmasked and behind bars.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole said they wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the horrendous and ghastly act that has sent a shockwave across all of their communities and convey their deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in such a heartrending manner. Shole said they wish the 13 hospitalised victims that survived the massacre a speedy recovery.
“South African Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police have launched a manhunt for three suspects reportedly behind the attack. We urge communities to assist police in their investigation to ensure that the heartless murderers are speedily removed from society.
“While appealing for calm, fervent prayers and united action, we also call for intensified effort to rid our communities of proliferation of guns and senseless violence claiming innocent lives,” he stressed.
Shole remarked that violent crime cannot continue to reign havoc while terrorized communities watch helplessly. He emphasised that the speedy arrest of those responsible for the vicious killings will restore confidence in the police and the criminal justice system.
The Guardian 