Manhunt Launched After 12 Killed In Johannesburg Mass Shooting

South African police have launched a manhunt following a deadly mass shooting that left 12 people dead and nine others injured in Johannesburg.

The attack occurred late Tuesday night at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, where more than 10 heavily armed suspects reportedly entered the area and opened fire on residents before escaping in a white Toyota Quantum vehicle.

According to police, officers responded to reports of an active shooting at around 11:10 p.m. local time. Investigators believe the suspects entered the settlement through multiple access points and fired at people in different locations before fleeing the scene.

Eight men and three women were pronounced dead at the scene, while another man later died in hospital from his injuries. Nine wounded victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and no arrests have been made. However, police say they are pursuing all possible leads.

Speaking at the scene on Wednesday, Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni described the shooting as “heartless” and “barbaric.” He said investigators are considering a possible link to illegal mining activities in the area, noting that the settlement is located near an illegal mining zone.

Residents have suggested the violence may be connected to ongoing turf wars between rival groups involved in illegal mining operations. Illegal mining has become increasingly common in South Africa, where criminal groups often target abandoned gold mines and sell extracted minerals on the black market.

The trade is known for its violent nature, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year to deploy military forces to affected communities in an effort to curb illegal mining activities.

Mass shootings in informal settlements are not uncommon in South Africa and are frequently linked to gang activity, territorial disputes, or personal conflicts. Last year, nine people were killed in a shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. According to figures cited by Gideon Joubert of the South African Gunowners’ Association, the country has around three million legally owned firearms, with at least an equal number of unlicensed weapons in circulation.