A late-night attack at an informal settlement in Johannesburg has left 12 people dead and several others injured after heavily armed attackers stormed the area, opening fire on residents before escaping in a getaway vehicle.
Police have since launched a manhunt as they try to track down the suspects behind what they describe as a brutal and coordinated assault.
According to police, the incident happened on Tuesday night at Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, where at least 10 armed suspects entered the area and started shooting indiscriminately.
The attackers, who were carrying rifles, are said to have moved through different points in the settlement, targeting residents before fleeing.
Police said officers responded after receiving a report of violence in progress late in the night. The emergency call came in at about 23:10 local time (21:10 GMT), prompting officers to rush to the scene.
"It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland," the police said in a statement.
"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," the statement added.
Twelve people were confirmed dead, including eight men and three women who died at the scene, while another man later died in hospital. At least nine other victims were rushed to different medical facilities with gunshot wounds as authorities worked to secure the area and assist survivors.
Police say the motive behind the attack is still not confirmed, but investigations are ongoing. However, residents and community members believe the killings may be connected to tensions involving illegal mining groups operating in the area.
During a visit to the scene on Wednesday, provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni did not rule out that possibility, noting the location’s proximity to known illegal mining zones. "As you know, this area is adjacent to the illegal mining area. We are having those suspicions," he told reporters, calling the attack "heartless" and "barbaric".
Illegal mining has become a major concern in parts of South Africa, often involving armed groups competing for control of abandoned mining sites where valuable minerals are extracted and sold illegally. The activity has been linked to rising violence in several communities.
Shootings in informal settlements are frequently reported in the country, with some linked to gang activity, disputes, or criminal turf battles. South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest murder rates globally, with gun violence remaining a persistent challenge.
Last year, nine people were killed in a similar mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety in high-risk areas.
Authorities also note the widespread presence of firearms in the country, with estimates pointing to about three million legally owned guns and a similar number of unlicensed weapons circulating in communities.
Police say efforts to track down the suspects continue as the investigation widens, with officers pursuing all possible leads linked to the attack.