South Africa manhunt launched after gunmen kill 12 in settlement attack. (Representative photo)

12 killed after gunmen open fire at settlement in South Africa's Johannesburg

Gunmen arrived in a vehicle, split into groups and opened fire at multiple locations before vanishing. With no clear motive and more than 10 suspects on the run, investigators face mounting questions.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Attackers used white Toyota Quantum for assault
  • Suspects entered via two points, fled in same vehicle
  • Police hunting over 10 suspects, motive unknown

A coordinated gun attack at an informal settlement in South Africa's Gauteng province left at least 12 people dead and nine others injured, prompting a massive police hunt for more than 10 suspects.

The shooting unfolded on Tuesday evening at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, according to police.

Authorities said the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum before launching a deadly assault across multiple locations inside the settlement.

COORDINATED ATTACK

Police said the suspects entered the area through two separate access points and opened fire at several locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.

The attack left 12 people dead at the scene, while nine others suffered injuries.

Investigators have yet to establish a motive.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police confirmed that a manhunt was underway to track down those responsible.

MORE THAN 10 SUSPECTS SOUGHT

Authorities believe more than 10 suspects were involved in the attack.

The scale and coordination of the shooting have raised concerns among investigators as they work to determine why the settlement was targeted.

No arrests had been announced by Wednesday.

SOUTH AFRICA'S VIOLENT CRIME CHALLENGE

The latest bloodshed comes against the backdrop of South Africa's long-running struggle with violent crime.

The country records one of the highest murder rates in the world, with around 60 killings reported on average every day.

The Cleveland attack is among the deadliest mass shootings reported in recent months and is likely to intensify concerns over gun violence and organised criminal activity in parts of the country.

Police have appealed for information that could help identify and locate the suspects behind the attack.

- Ends