At Least 12 Killed, Nine Injured In Mass Shooting Near Johannesburg

At Least 12 Killed, Nine Injured in Mass Shooting Near Johannesburg

At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured after gunmen launched a deadly mass shooting at an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, according to South African police. The attack occurred late Tuesday night at the Jumpers informal settlement in the Cleveland area, a community located on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg. Police said more than 10 armed suspects carried out the coordinated assault before fleeing the scene. According to investigators, the suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus and entered the settlement through two separate access points. They then moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before escaping in the same vehicle. Police said eight adult men and three adult women were declared dead at the scene, while another male victim later died from his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds. A large-scale manhunt has been launched for the attackers. No arrests have been made, and authorities say the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Provincial detectives, forensic experts and crime intelligence units have been deployed to investigate the massacre and track down those responsible. Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni described the attackers as “heartless” and vowed that every available resource would be used to identify and apprehend the suspects. However, he cautioned against linking the attack to any specific criminal activity until investigations are completed.The shooting is the latest in a series of deadly attacks that have shaken South Africa in recent years. Cleveland and surrounding areas have long been associated with illegal mining operations, and investigators are examining whether the violence may be connected to disputes among criminal groups operating in the region.South Africa continues to struggle with one of the highest murder rates in the world, averaging around 60 killings each day. Mass shootings linked to gang activity, organised crime and territorial disputes have become a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies across the country. As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to anyone with information about the attack to come forward, while community leaders have called for stronger measures to combat escalating violence in vulnerable settlements around Johannesburg.