South Africa: 12 Killed, 9 Injured in Johannesburg Mass Shooting by Multiple Gunmen

At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured in a late-night mass shooting in Johannesburg, South African police have confirmed, in the latest violent attack to shake the country’s largest city.

Police say more than 10 suspects were transported in a minibus to an informal settlement in the Cleveland suburb on Tuesday night, where they opened fire on residents and community members.

According to authorities, the attackers moved through the area, shooting at people in multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.

The victims include nine men and three women. Eleven people died at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries in hospital.

Police said no arrests have been made so far, and the motive for the attack remains unknown. However, investigations are ongoing, with multiple specialist units deployed to track down the suspects.

South Africa has experienced a series of high-profile mass shootings in recent months, including incidents in December that left more than 20 people dead. Some of these attacks have involved multiple shooters and are suspected to be linked to illegal mining gangs operating in and around Johannesburg.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Tuesday’s shooting is connected to such activity, although the Cleveland area has been associated with illegal mining operations.

Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni described the attackers as “heartless,” but cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigations are completed.

“We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act,” he said, adding that crime intelligence and forensic experts have been deployed to the area.

Police say informal settlements—unplanned residential areas made up largely of makeshift structures—remain vulnerable to such violent incidents.