JOHANNESBURG — Twelve people were killed and at least nine others injured after multiple attackers opened fire in an informal settlement in Johannesburg’s Clev...
JOHANNESBURG — Twelve people were killed and at least nine others injured after multiple attackers opened fire in an informal settlement in Johannesburg’s Cleveland suburb late Tuesday night, South African police said.
Police said they believe more than 10 suspects arrived in the area in a minibus before launching the attack. The gunmen allegedly moved through different parts of the settlement and fired at residents and community members before escaping in the same vehicle.
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According to police, the attack happened at several locations within the settlement. Eleven victims died at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
The deceased included nine men and three women, police confirmed. At least nine other people were injured during the shooting.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, but no arrests had been made by Wednesday. Police said investigations were continuing and the motive behind the killings had not yet been established.
In a statement, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigators, crime intelligence officers and forensic experts had been deployed to investigate the incident.
“Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” Mathe said.
South Africa has experienced several mass shootings in recent months. Two separate attacks in December left more than 20 people dead, with one of those incidents also involving multiple gunmen.
Some previous shootings in and around Johannesburg have been linked to illegal mining gangs. The Cleveland suburb has connections to illegal mining activity, although police said it was too early to conclude that this attack was related.
Police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni condemned the killings and described the attackers as “heartless.” However, he said investigators would wait for evidence before linking the incident to illegal mining operations.
“We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act. We have deployed all required units,” Mthombeni said.
Informal settlements in South Africa are unplanned residential communities that are often made up of shacks and temporary structures. Many residents in these areas face challenges including poverty, unemployment and limited access to services.
Police said investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to identify and arrest those responsible for the deadly attack.
