South Africa mass shooting: 12 dead, 9 injured as gang opens fire in Johannesburg; suspects at large

At least 12 people have been killed and nine others wounded following a mass shooting at an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, South African police confirmed on Wednesday morning.

The South African Police Service (Saps) has launched a massive manhunt for more than 10 heavily armed suspects following the late-night attack.

"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," a police spokesperson said, as cited by AFP.

What we know so far

According to a police statement, emergency services responded to reports of an active shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, at around 11:10 pm on Tuesday. Officers and medical personnel arrived at the scene shortly after receiving distress calls from residents.

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Authorities said the attack was carried out by a group of more than 10 suspects who arrived at the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum. The area where the shooting took place was around six kilometres (less than four miles) east of Johannesburg’s city centre, close to an abandoned gold mine. The gunmen reportedly entered the area through two separate access points before splitting into smaller groups.

Police said the assailants then moved through the settlement and opened fire at multiple locations in what appeared to be a coordinated attack. After carrying out the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in the same vehicle.

First responders declared eight men and three women dead at the scene, while several others were found with gunshot wounds. The death toll later rose to 12, according to authorities. Nine injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.

South Africa continues to face a serious crime challenge, with violent shootings, gang-related violence and organised criminal attacks remaining a frequent occurrence in many parts of the country.