12 killed in mass shooting in Johannesburg

South African police have launched a manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects following a mass shooting that left 12 people dead and nine others injured at an informal settlement in Johannesburg.

The attack occurred late on Tuesday night at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, when a group of more than 10 gunmen reportedly entered the area and opened fire on residents before fleeing the scene.

According to police, officers responded to reports of an active shooting at approximately 11:10pm local time.

In a statement, police said the suspects were allegedly dropped off near a petrol station in a white Toyota Quantum before entering the settlement through different access points.

"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 said.

Eight men and three women were declared dead at the scene, while another man later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to 12.

Nine other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to various medical facilities for treatment.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and that the motive for the attack has not yet been established.

"The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation," police said.

Community members have speculated that the killings may be linked to conflicts involving illegal mining operations in the area. Illegal mining remains a significant challenge in South Africa, particularly around abandoned gold mines, where criminal syndicates and rival groups often compete for access to lucrative mineral resources.

The underground trade has been associated with violent confrontations, extortion and organised crime. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of security forces to assist efforts to curb illegal mining activities in several affected communities.

Mass shootings continue to be a major concern in South Africa, which records one of the highest homicide rates globally. Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to violent crime, with incidents often linked to gang activity, organised crime and personal disputes.

The latest attack comes less than two years after nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg, highlighting the persistent challenge of gun violence in the country.

According to estimates cited by firearm advocacy groups, South Africa has approximately three million legally owned firearms, with a similar number of unlicensed weapons believed to be in circulation.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist the investigation to come forward as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attack.