JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South African police have launched a massive manhunt after at least 12 people were killed and nine others injured in a deadly mass shooting at an informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.
According to police, more than 10 armed suspects arrived in the area in a white Toyota Quantum minibus shortly before 11:10 p.m. local time. The attackers reportedly entered the settlement through two separate access points and opened fire indiscriminately on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Preliminary reports indicate that eight men and three women were among those killed in the attack, while nine others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities are still working to confirm the exact number of casualties and identify all the victims.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, police said the suspects were dropped off near a petrol station in Cleveland before carrying out the coordinated assault.
“It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland,” the statement said. “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.”
Law enforcement officers responded after receiving reports of an active shooting in progress and arrived at the scene shortly after the attack. Investigators have since cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the suspects.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made so far.
Informal settlements, which are common in many parts of South Africa, are unplanned residential areas typically consisting of makeshift structures and shacks. Such communities often face challenges including poverty, overcrowding, and crime.
The latest attack has once again highlighted South Africa’s persistent struggle with violent crime. The country records one of the highest murder rates in the world, with an average of about 60 people killed every day.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as efforts continue to locate those responsible for the massacre.
Investigations are ongoing.
