12 Killed, 9 Wounded in Late-Night Shooting in Johannesburg Informal Settlement
Twelve people died and nine others were wounded when multiple attackers opened fire in Cleveland late Tuesday night. Police have mobilized detectives and crime-intelligence units but have made no arrests.
citizen.co.zaMultiple attackers killed 12 people and wounded at least nine others in a late-night mass shooting in an informal settlement in Johannesburg's Cleveland suburb. Police said more than 10 suspects were dropped off in a minibus late Tuesday night. The attackers moved through the area firing on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
The victims comprised nine males and three females. Eleven died at the scene and one died later in hospital. No arrests have been made. Provincial and district detectives supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said.
Police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said the attackers were heartless. "We are still investigating, but what we have seen here is a criminal act. We have deployed all required units," he said, adding that crime intelligence officials have also been deployed to the area. Mthombeni refused to link the killings to illegal mining until the investigation is complete.
No publicly released evidence has documented a connection between the shooting and illegal mining activity. The motive for the shooting remains unclear according to all available police statements.
