A deadly mass shooting has taken the lives of at least 12 residents in the informal settlement of Cleveland, a suburb of Johannesburg, on Sunday evening. Police are actively pursuing the suspects involved.
According to police statements, the attack began around 23:10 local time when a white Toyota Quantum—believed to contain more than ten suspects—entered Cleveland near a petrol station. The gunmen moved through multiple entrances, opening fire on residents across several points before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Eight men and three women died at the scene; an additional man succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Nine other victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.
Police responded to a “complaint of shooting in progress” and mobilized emergency medical services. A manhunt has been launched, but police have stated that the motive for the attack remains unknown and is part of an ongoing investigation.
South Africa faces one of the world’s highest murder rates, averaging around 60 deaths per day, with informal settlements often experiencing violent gun incidents linked to gang clashes and personal disputes. There are an estimated three million legally held firearms, plus a comparable number of unlicensed weapons, amplifying the potential for such tragedies.
The incident follows last year’s mass shooting at a Johannesburg tavern that claimed nine lives. Authorities urge anyone with information about the Cleveland attack to come forward and assist the investigation.
