At least 12 people were killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting at an informal settlement in Johannesburg, South African police confirmed on Wednesday.
The attack occurred late Tuesday night in the Cleveland area. According to authorities, a group of more than 10 suspects arrived in a white minibus. The gunmen entered the settlement through multiple access points and opened fire indiscriminately on residents before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Police and emergency medical services responded to reports of an active shooting at approximately 11:10 p.m. local time. Eight men and three women were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The nine wounded victims are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.
A massive manhunt is currently underway. Police stated that the motive for the massacre remains unknown and is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest murder rates globally, averaging around 60 homicides a day. Gun violence in informal settlements is a frequent occurrence, often driven by gang turf wars and personal disputes.
The proliferation of firearms heavily fuels this crisis. According to data from the South African Gunowners' Association, the country has roughly three million legally registered firearms alongside an estimated three million unlicensed weapons in circulation.
Tuesday's tragedy echoes a similar incident from last year, when nine people were gunned down in a mass shooting at a Johannesburg tavern.
