At least 12 people have been killed after gunmen stormed an informal settlement near Johannesburg, South Africa, in another deadly mass shooting incident that has heightened concerns over violent crime in the country.
A police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday.
According to South African police, the attack occurred shortly after 11:00 pm on Tuesday when more than 10 armed men reportedly arrived in a vehicle and invaded the settlement before opening fire on residents.
Police said the gunmen entered the community through different access points before launching coordinated attacks across the area.
“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,” Colonel Nevhuhulwi said.
She disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed that 12 people lost their lives during the attack.
“Eight adult males and three adult females were declared dead at the scene,” she stated, adding that another victim later died in hospital.
The attack happened in Cleveland, an area located about six kilometres east of Johannesburg city centre.
Police yet to make arrests
Authorities said the motive behind the shooting remains unclear and no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report.
Police have launched investigations into the incident while security operatives continue efforts to track down those responsible.
South Africa continues to battle high levels of violent crime, with shootings and gang-related violence remaining a major concern in several communities.
Rising concerns over violent crime
The latest incident adds to growing fears over insecurity in South Africa, where both legal and illegal firearms are widespread.
Mass shootings have become increasingly common, often linked to gang rivalries, organised crime and disputes involving informal businesses and settlements.
Crime statistics in the country indicate that more than 60 homicides are recorded daily on average, making South Africa one of the countries with the highest violent crime rates globally.
The latest killings are expected to intensify calls for stricter gun control measures and improved policing in vulnerable communities.
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