Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 11 dead, including 3 children

At least 11 people were killed on Saturday including a three year old boy, after gunshots were fired at an illegal bar in the South African city of Pretoria, police said, adding that a manhunt was launched for three suspects who were not identified.

Another 14 people were wounded during the incident in the Saulsville township, they said in a statement.

Police didn’t say whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the illegal bar, known locally as a ‘shebeen.’

“Three minors are among those deceased, which include 3- and 12-year-old boys (and a) 16-year-old female,” the South African Police Service said.

The attack late on Friday evening was the latest mass shooting in the crime-weary African nation that has one of the world's highest murder rates.

The incident unfolded when an unknown number of gunmen entered the bar in Umlazi township and opened fire, police said.

First responders found the eight dead people "lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds", police said in a statement, adding that two of them were women.

The victims were aged between 22 and 40 years old, police said.

"Investigations into the possible motive of the killings are underway," they said.

Shootings are common in South Africa, often fuelled by gang violence and alcohol.

Many people own licenced fire arms for personal protection, yet there are many more illegal guns in circulation.

There are around 75 murders a day in South Africa, according to police data.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, averaging about 60 a day.