Mass shooting in Johannesburg leaves 12 dead, nine injured

A mass shooting in an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, has left at least 12 people dead and nine others injured, South African police reported. The incident occurred late Tuesday night.

According to a police statement, a group of more than 10 suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum vehicle near a petrol station in Cleveland. The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances. They moved through the area, firing at residents and community members at various locations before escaping in the same vehicle.

“

It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. 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

Police officers responded to a "complaint of shooting in progress" around 11:10 PM local time. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene to provide treatment to the injured. Of the fatalities, eight men and three women died at the scene. An additional man succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The nine injured individuals were transported to different medical facilities for treatment.

South Africa grapples with one of the world's highest murder rates, with an average of around 60 homicides daily. The motive behind this specific mass shooting remains unknown and is a central focus of the ongoing police investigation. Authorities have initiated a manhunt for the suspects involved in the attack.

“

the motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation