Twelve Killed in Deadly Johannesburg Settlement Shooting

Police in South Africa have launched a major manhunt after 12 people were killed and nine others wounded in a mass shooting at an informal settlement in Johannesburg.

The attack occurred late on Tuesday night at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, a suburb east of Johannesburg. According to police, more than 10 heavily armed suspects entered the community and opened fire on residents before escaping in a white Toyota Quantum vehicle.

Authorities said officers responded to reports of an active shooting at about 11:10 p.m. local time. Preliminary investigations indicate that the gunmen were dropped off near a petrol station before entering the settlement through multiple access points and firing at people in different locations.

Police confirmed that eight men and three women died at the scene, while another man later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were taken to medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack. However, members of the local community believe the violence may be linked to ongoing turf wars involving illegal mining groups operating in the area.

During a visit to the scene on Wednesday, provincial police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said investigators could not rule out a connection to illegal mining activities.

“As you know, this area is adjacent to the illegal mining area. We are having those suspicions,” he told reporters, describing the attack as both “heartless” and “barbaric.”

Illegal mining has become a growing challenge in South Africa, where criminal groups often target abandoned gold mines and sell extracted minerals on the black market. The trade is known for violent rivalries and clashes between competing groups.

The problem has become so serious that earlier this year, Cyril Ramaphosa deployed military personnel to assist efforts aimed at shutting down illegal mining operations in affected communities.

Mass shootings in informal settlements are not uncommon in South Africa and are frequently associated with gang-related violence, criminal disputes, and competition over illicit economic activities. Police have appealed for information from the public as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attack.