Johannesburg mass shooting: 12 dead, nine injured as multiple attackers open fire on suburban Cleveland residents | Today’s news

Twelve people have been killed and about nine injured in a mass shooting in the South African suburb of Cleveland, Johannesburg, police officials said Wednesday, according to an AP report.

The 10 suspects were taken to the informal settlement in a minibus on Tuesday evening, which started shooting at people.

According to a police statement, the attackers “moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at several locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” the AP reported.

Among the victims were nine men and three women. While 11 died on the spot, one victim was taken to hospital where he died.

They have not yet been arrested as police continue to hunt for the attackers.

“Provincial and district detectives, supported by criminal and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said.

There have been several recent reports of mass shootings in South Africa, including two in December 2025 where more than 20 people were shot dead. One of these attacks also saw the involvement of multiple shooters.

Mass shootings in South Africa are occasionally linked to illegal mining gangs that operate around Johannesburg. The AP reports that Cleveland is also linked to such operations.

Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni refused to link the shooting to illegal mining before the investigation was completed.

“We are still investigating, but what we saw here is a crime. We have deployed all the necessary units,” he said. The commissioner also told the AP that representatives of the Criminal Intelligence Unit were also deployed in the area.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.