At least twelve people have been killed in a mass shooting in the Cleveland area of Johannesburg, South Africa, police said. Nine others were injured, prompting a rapid police response and medical assistance.
Police officials reported that more than ten suspects were allegedly dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. They entered the informal settlement through its entrances, opened fire on residents and community members at multiple locations, and fled in the same vehicle.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates worldwide, with about 60 people killed per day on average. Shootings in informal settlements are common and often tied to gang violence and personal disputes.
The local police department responded to a “complaint of shooting in progress” at about 23:10 local time on Tuesday, deploying emergency medical services to treat the injured. Eight men and three women died at the scene, while a ninth victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The motive for the attack is currently unknown and is part of the ongoing investigation. Last year, a mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg killed nine people.
South Africa holds about three million legally owned firearms and an equal number of unlicensed weapons, noted Gideon Joubert of the South African Gunowners' Association.
