South Africa: at least 12 dead and 9 injured in a shooting in Johannesburg

At least 12 people were killed and a further nine were injured in a mass shooting that took place late on Tuesday evening in an informal settlement in the Cleveland area, in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was announced by the South African police, who confirmed that a large-scale search operation is underway to locate the suspects.

According to the authorities, the gang is believed to have consisted of more than ten people who arrived in a white Toyota Quantum, which they left near a petrol station. The attackers then reportedly entered the informal settlement via two different entrances, opening fire on residents and community members at various points in the area before fleeing.

The police said they received a report of an “ongoing shooting” at around 11.10 pm local time and attended the scene alongside the emergency medical services. Eight men and three women died at the scene, whilst a twelfth victim died later in hospital. Nine other injured people were taken to various hospitals for treatment.

The authorities have stated that “the motive for the attack is currently unknown and is part of the ongoing investigation”.

The shooting is part of a pattern of structural armed violence in the country. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with an average of around 60 victims a day. Armed attacks in informal settlements are relatively frequent and are often linked to organised crime or personal disputes. According to figures cited by the South African Firearms Owners’ Association, there are around three million legally owned firearms in circulation in the country, in addition to at least as many unregistered weapons.