12 people died and around nine have been injured in a mass shooting incident in South Africa’s Johannesburg’s Cleveland suburb, police officials said on Wednesday, as per a report by the Associated Press.
10 suspects were driven to an informal settlement in a minibus on Tuesday night, post which they began open firing on people.
According to a police statement, the attackers “moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” AP reported.
Among the victims, there were nine men and three women. While 11 died at the scene, one victim was taken to a hospital where they latter passed away.
No arrests have been made so far as police continue search for the attackers.
“Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” AP quoted police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe as saying.
There have been several reports of mass shootings in South Africa lately, including two in December 2025 where more than 20 people were gunned down. One of those attacks also saw the involvement of multiple shooters.
The mass shootings in South Asfrica are at times linked to illegal mining gangs that operate around Johannesburg. AP reports that Cleveland is also connected to such operations.
Police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni has refused to link this shooting to illegal mining as well before investigation is completed.
“We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act. We have deployed all required units,” he said. The commissioner also told AP that officials of the crime intelligence wing were also deployed in the area.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.
