A major police operation is underway in Gauteng after a deadly overnight shooting at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland left 12 people dead and several others wounded.
The attack, which occurred late on Tuesday night, has become one of the most serious mass shooting incidents reported in Johannesburg this year, prompting the deployment of provincial detectives, crime intelligence officers and forensic experts.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers responded to reports of an active shooting at approximately 11:10pm. Upon arriving at the settlement, police encountered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds at various locations within the community.
Emergency medical teams were immediately dispatched to assist the injured and transport victims to nearby hospitals.
Gunmen reportedly attacked from multiple directions
Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants may have acted in a coordinated manner.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said more than ten suspects were allegedly dropped off from a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland before entering the settlement.
Investigators believe the group split up and moved through the informal settlement using different access points. Witness accounts suggest the gunmen opened fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the area in the same vehicle.
Twelve fatalities have been confirmed. Eight adult men and three adult women died at the scene, while another male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
At least nine additional victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those killed pending notification of their families.
Motive remains unknown as manhunt intensifies
Police have not established a motive for the attack and are investigating several possible scenarios.
Officials have not ruled out links to organised crime, retaliatory violence, gang activity or other criminal disputes. Investigators are expected to review witness statements, forensic evidence and surveillance footage from surrounding areas as part of the inquiry.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about violent crime in parts of Gauteng, particularly in densely populated informal settlements where criminal networks often operate and where residents can be vulnerable to targeted attacks.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni would visit the crime scene on Wednesday morning to assess the situation and receive operational briefings from investigators.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information about the suspects, the vehicle involved or events leading up to the shooting to come forward.
As detectives continue gathering evidence, no arrests have yet been made.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)