Twelve Killed, Nine Injured In Mass Shooting At Johannesburg Settlement

At least 12 people are killed and nine injured in a mass shooting at a Johannesburg settlement.

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

The attack occurred late Tuesday night in the Cleveland area, prompting a large-scale police investigation and a manhunt for the gunmen responsible.

According to police, more than 10 armed suspects arrived near the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum before entering the area through multiple access points and opening fire on residents.

“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,” police said in a statement.

Authorities said officers responded to reports of an active shooting at about 11:10 p.m. local time, while emergency medical teams were dispatched to assist victims.

Eight men and three women were pronounced dead at the scene. A twelfth victim later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack.

Nine wounded victims were taken to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot injuries.

Police have not established a motive for the shooting and said investigations are ongoing.

South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime and one of the world’s highest murder rates. Mass shootings, particularly in informal settlements, are often linked to gang activity, organised crime or personal disputes, although authorities have not yet indicated whether any of those factors played a role in the latest attack.