South African police initiated a major manhunt following a mass shooting that left 12 people dead and several others injured at an informal settlement in Gauteng.
The attack occurred at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland on Tuesday 9 June. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded to reports of an active shooting at approximately 23:10 local time.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of more than 10 suspects arrived near a local petrol station in a white Toyota Quantum minibus.
The armed men allegedly entered the informal settlement using both main entrances. According to police reports, the suspects moved through the residential area and opened fire on community members at various locations before fleeing the scene in the same minibus.
Casualties and emergency response
Emergency medical services were called to the settlement to assist multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Responders pronounced 11 people dead at the scene, comprising eight men and three women. Another male victim later died from his injuries after being admitted to hospital.
At least nine other people sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were transported to various medical facilities for ongoing treatment.
The motive behind the mass shooting remains unknown and forms a central part of the current police inquiry.
Authorities have mobilised a task team consisting of provincial and district detectives, crime intelligence officers and forensic experts to investigate the incident.
No arrests have been made at this stage as police continue to track down the suspects involved.
