At least 12 people were killed and nine others injured in a late-night mass shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa, police confirmed on Wednesday, June 10.
Details of the Attack
According to authorities, more than 10 armed suspects arrived in a minibus at an informal settlement in the Cleveland area of Johannesburg on Tuesday night before opening fire on residents. Police said the attackers moved through different parts of the settlement, shooting at community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
The victims included nine men and three women. Eleven people were pronounced dead at the scene, while another victim later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement officials have launched a manhunt for the suspects, but no arrests had been made as of Wednesday. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said detectives, crime intelligence officers, and forensic experts had been deployed to investigate the incident and track down those responsible.
“Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” she said.
Context of Violence
The incident is the latest in a series of deadly mass shootings that have raised concerns about violent crime in South Africa. Several high-profile attacks have occurred in recent months, including two separate shootings in December that claimed more than 20 lives. Authorities noted that some mass shootings in and around Johannesburg have been linked to illegal mining gangs operating in the region. Cleveland is known to have connections to illegal mining activities, although investigators have not confirmed whether the latest attack was related.
Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni described the attackers as “heartless” but cautioned against linking the killings to illegal mining activities before investigations are concluded. “We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act. We have deployed all required units,” Mthombeni said.
The investigation continues.
