At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured following a mass shooting at an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, South Africa, prompting police to launch a manhunt for the attackers.
According to South African police, the attack occurred late Tuesday night when a group of armed suspects stormed the settlement and opened fire on residents at multiple locations.
In a statement, police said more than 10 suspects were allegedly dropped off near a petrol station in Cleveland by a white Toyota Quantum vehicle.
The gunmen reportedly entered the settlement through different access points and moved through the area, shooting indiscriminately before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Law enforcement officers responded to reports of an ongoing shooting at about 11:10 p.m. local time. Emergency medical personnel were also deployed to the scene to assist victims and transport the injured to hospitals.
Police confirmed that eight men and three women died at the scene, while another male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to 12.
Nine other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to various medical facilities for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed.
Authorities have not made any arrests, but investigators say they are pursuing all possible leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
