Forensic team at Saulsville hostel in Tshwane photo supplied
By Pastor Lesiba Kgwele
South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) National Spokesperon
The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) 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.
“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the horrendous and ghastly act that has sent a shockwave across all of our communities and convey our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in such a heartrending manner,” highlighted SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole.
Cardinal Shole wished 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.
Dr Shole urged 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.
He remarked that violent crime cannot continue to reign havoc while terrorized communities watch helplessly.
Shole emphasised that the speedy arrest of those responsible for the vicious killings will restore confidence in the police and the criminal justice system.
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