A mass shooting in an informal settlement in Johannesburg, South Africa, has left 12 people dead and at least nine others injured after an armed group opened fire on residents late Tuesday night.
According to South African police, the attackers—believed to be at least 10 individuals—stormed the Cleveland suburb settlement and moved through the area shooting at community members at multiple locations before escaping in a minibus. Police confirmed on Wednesday that nine men and three women were killed, with 11 dying at the scene and one later succumbing to injuries in hospital.
Authorities say the motive remains under investigation, though the area has previously been associated with organized criminal activity linked to illegal mining operations. Police noted that firearms, including assault rifles, had recently been seized in the vicinity during separate operations targeting such networks.
Provincial police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni described the attack as “insane, heartless and, to a certain extent, barbaric,” while stressing that it is still too early to conclusively link the killings to illegal mining gangs.
A manhunt is underway for the suspects, with no arrests reported so far. The incident adds to growing concerns over violent crime and organized criminal networks in parts of Johannesburg’s informal settlements.