Twelve Killed in Mass Shooting in Johannesburg as Manhunt Under Way

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South African police have launched a manhunt for more than 10 suspects following a mass shooting that left 12 people dead and at least nine others injured in Johannesburg.

The attack occurred late Tuesday night at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg. According to police, a group of heavily armed men arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus before opening fire at multiple locations within the settlement. The suspects fled the scene shortly afterward.

Police said 11 victims were declared dead at the scene, while another later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 12. The victims included nine men and three women. Nine injured survivors were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities have not yet established a motive for the attack, and no arrests had been made as of Wednesday. Investigators, forensic specialists and crime intelligence teams have been deployed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Local community members told media outlets that gun violence has become increasingly common in the area. Some residents and community leaders have speculated that the violence could be linked to disputes involving illegal mining activities, although police have not confirmed any connection.

The shooting is the latest in a series of mass-casualty attacks that have raised concerns about violent crime in South Africa. The country continues to face high levels of gun-related violence, with authorities frequently battling organized criminal networks and illegal firearms.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information about the attack to come forward as efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible continue.

Source BBC