Gunmen have stormed into a hostel in South Africa’s capital and killed at least 11 people, including a three-year-old child, and injured more than a dozen others.

“I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,” police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said of the early morning attack in Pretoria. She said 14 people had been hospitalised.

“Ten died on this particular scene, and one died in hospital,” added Mathe. The victims also included a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

South African police have been grappling with violence linked to illegal bars, known as shebeens, which often sell homebrewed drinks that are substandard.

“What I can tell you is that these illegal shebeens are really giving us a problem as the police,” Mathe told the 24-hour eNCA news broadcaster. “Because a lot of murders are being reported at these illegal establishments.”

Forensic and ballistic experts were at the scene, alongside investigators. “So we are on a manhunt. For now, we are looking for three suspects,” Mathe said.

More details soon …