Johannesburg – The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday started investigating the mass shooting that occured in Johannesburg in an informal settlement that left 12 dead and several injured.
Police are investigating the motive, but it is believed the shooting may be linked to “zama zama” who are illegal gold panners and ongoing battles linked to illegal mining operations in the area.
The incident again highlights the growing problem of illegal mining, violent turf wars and heavily armed criminal syndicates operating across parts of South Africa.
Investigations are ongoing.
Police say more than 10 heavily armed suspects entered the community late at night and opened fire at multiple locations before fleeing in a vehicle.
Investigators have not identified a motive, but residents believe the attack may be linked to rival groups involved in illegal mining.
A manhunt is now underway as authorities search for those responsible for one of the deadliest shootings in the city this year.
It is reported that at approximately 23:10, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded to a complaint of a shooting in progress at the informal settlement.
Upon arrival, police found numerous victims who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the scene to assist the injured.
Preliminary investigations reveal that 12 people died as a result of the attack.
Eight adult males and three adult females were declared dead at the scene, while one additional male victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. At least nine other victims were transported to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.
It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland.
The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down the suspects.
The motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Violent crime is common in South Africa where many illegal guns are in possession of the populace.