Twelve killed in mass shooting near Johannesburg as police hunt suspects

At least twelve people were killed and nine others injured in a deadly mass shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa, late on Tuesday night. Police have launched a large-scale manhunt for around ten suspected attackers who carried out coordinated shootings across an informal settlement in the Cleveland area, east of the city.

The attack is among the deadliest incidents reported in South Africa this year and has once again highlighted concerns over violent crime and organised gang activity in parts of the country.

According to police, the suspects arrived at the settlement in a minibus before splitting into groups and entering the area through two separate access points. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire as the attackers opened fire at multiple locations within the community.

Authorities said the gunmen fled the scene in the same vehicle shortly after the attack.

Multiple victims across the settlement

Emergency services and police officers were dispatched to the area following reports of heavy gunfire. Upon arrival, authorities discovered multiple victims at different locations throughout the settlement.

Twelve people were pronounced dead at the scene, while nine others were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The conditions of the injured have not been fully disclosed.

Police investigators spent the night collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses in an effort to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Motive remains unknown

Officials have not yet determined a motive for the attack. Investigators are examining several possible explanations, including gang-related violence, organised criminal activity and local disputes.

South African police have appealed to members of the public for information that could assist the investigation, while additional security personnel have been deployed to the area.

Authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made immediately following the shooting.

Violent crime remains a national challenge

South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime, including shootings, armed robberies and gang-related incidents. While large-scale attacks of this nature remain relatively uncommon, they frequently attract national attention due to their severity and impact on local communities.

The latest incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger law-enforcement measures and additional resources to combat organised criminal groups operating in urban areas.

Community leaders have expressed shock at the scale of the attack and called for swift justice for the victims and their families.

Investigation continues

As police search for the suspects, investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness statements in an effort to reconstruct the attack and establish why the settlement was targeted.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of family members.

Newshub Editorial in Africa – June 10, 2026