12 killed, nine injured in mass shooting in Johannesburg

At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured, following a mass shooting in an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, South African police have confirmed.

The deadly attack occurred late Tuesday night and has prompted a major manhunt as authorities work to track down those responsible.

According to police, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum before launching a coordinated assault on residents in the settlement.

“It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland,” police said in a statement.

Authorities indicated that the suspects entered the community through different access points before opening fire on residents at several locations.

“The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” the statement added.

Police officers and emergency response teams were dispatched to the area after reports of gunfire were received shortly before midnight.

Initial assessments revealed that 11 victims — eight men and three women — died at the scene. Another victim later died while receiving treatment at a hospital, bringing the death toll to 12.

Nine others who sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to various medical facilities for treatment.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and the motive behind the attack has yet to be established.

“The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police stated.

The shooting has once again drawn attention to South Africa’s persistent violent crime challenges. The country records one of the highest murder rates globally, with dozens of people killed every day.

Incidents of gun violence are particularly common in informal settlements and are often associated with gang-related activities, criminal disputes and other local conflicts.

Police have appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist ongoing investigations as efforts continue to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind the attack.