At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured following a mass shooting at the Cleveland area east of Johannesburg. The attack took place late on Tuesday night at the Jumpers informal settlement, prompting a major police response and a manhunt for the gunmen.
According to police, more than 10 heavily armed suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum before entering the settlement through two different access points. The attackers allegedly moved through the area and opened fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Police confirmed that eight men and three women died at the scene, while another male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were transported to various hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have not yet established a motive for the attack, and no arrests have been made. Provincial detectives, crime intelligence officers and forensic experts have been deployed to investigate the shooting and track down those responsible.
The mass shooting has once again raised concerns about violent crime in Gauteng. Some reports have noted that Cleveland is an area associated with illegal mining activity, although police have not confirmed any link between the shooting and illegal mining syndicates.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni is expected to visit the scene as investigations continue.
