A mass shooting at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, has left 12 people dead and nine others injured in one of the city's deadliest attacks in recent months.
According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at the settlement shortly after 11pm on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered numerous victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Eight men and three women were declared dead at the scene, while another male victim later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 12. Nine other people were rushed to various medical facilities for treatment.
Preliminary reports suggest that more than 10 heavily armed suspects arrived at the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum shortly after 8pm. The suspects allegedly moved through different sections of the informal settlement, opening fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Residents described scenes of terror as gunfire echoed through the settlement for an extended period. One resident told eNCA that the shooting continued for more than an hour, forcing him to hide in a toilet while the attack unfolded.
The resident also expressed concern over rising levels of violence in the area, claiming that shootings have become increasingly common. He noted that a community leader was gunned down in the settlement last month.
A local community leader, who requested anonymity out of fear for her safety, said residents suspect the attack may be linked to ongoing disputes over illegal mining activities in the area.
"This place is very dangerous. I don't want to say anything because tomorrow, you might find it will be me. It's really painful that people were killed like dogs," she said.
Police have not yet made any arrests, and the motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, accompanied by senior police management, is expected to visit the scene on Wednesday as investigations continue.