A quiet night at a Johannesburg informal settlement turned into a tragedy when a group of more than 10 gunmen opened fire on residents, killing at least 12 people.
Police in South Africa confirmed that nine others sustained gunshot wounds in the late Tuesday attack at Cleveland.
“It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland,” authorities stated.
“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.”
The shooting erupted around 23:10 local time (21:10 GMT) following a “complaint of shooting in progress.”
Another man later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, while at least nine survivors were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
“The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police added.
South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest murder rates, averaging around 60 killings daily.
The country holds roughly three million legally registered firearms, with an estimated equal number of unlicensed weapons in circulation, according to Gideon Joubert of the South African Gunowners’ Association.