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Tragedy in Johannesburg: Over 12 Killed in Settlement Massacre

"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"

Per Second NewsJune 10, 20261 Mins read738

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.

The shooters vanished into the darkness after the attack, triggering an intensive police search across the area.

Police in South Africa confirmed that nine others sustained gunshot wounds in the late Tuesday attack at Cleveland.

Officers are now hunting the attackers, who were allegedly dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station.

“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.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene, where eight men and three women were pronounced dead.

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.

Shootings in informal settlements remain disturbingly frequent, often tied to gang conflicts or personal vendettas.

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.