Multiple Attackers Kill 12 in Late-Night Mass Shooting in Johannesburg

Johannesburg was the scene of a horrific mass shooting late Tuesday night, with multiple attackers killing 12 people and wounding at least nine others. The incident occurred in an informal settlement in the Cleveland suburb, adding to a recent spate of deadly violence that has shaken the South African city.

According to police, a group of more than 10 suspects arrived in a minibus and systematically opened fire on residents in various locations before fleeing in the same vehicle. The victims comprised nine men and three women; eleven died at the scene, and one succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

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We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act. We have deployed all required units.

This latest attack follows two other high-profile mass shootings in December that claimed over 20 lives, one of which also involved multiple shooters. While the motives for these shootings remain unclear, they have sometimes been linked to illegal mining gangs operating in and around Johannesburg, an area known for such activity.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that provincial and district detectives, along with crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate and apprehend the suspects. Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni described the attackers as "heartless" but refrained from directly linking the killings to illegal mining until the investigation is complete, emphasizing that it is being treated as a criminal act.

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Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects.