South Africa searches for shooters after 12 die in attack

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South African security forces are searching for at least 10 suspects linked to a mass shooting at an informal settlement that left 12 people dead.

The suspects shot at Jumpers Informal Settlement, a crowded area in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

Residents believe the attack is related to fights over control of mining areas between illegal mining gangs, according to BBC reports. The police said they cannot confirm this yet, but it remains a possibility.

Cleveland Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said the settlement is close to illegal mining areas, making it prone to violence from rival gangs. He spoke while visiting the crime scene on Wednesday.

“As you know, this area is adjacent to the illegal mining area. We are having those suspicions,” he said.

Such violent attacks are frequent, as illegal mining in South Africa is increasingly linked to turf wars, extortion, and fights between rival groups seeking access to rich mineral sites. These groups, called “zama zamas,” often operate as well-armed criminal networks.

Mr Mthombeni called the shooting that killed nine men and three women in Jumpers “heartless” and “barbaric.” Eleven victims died on the spot, and one more passed away in the hospital.

“The attackers moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” said the local police department in a statement.

“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,” the statement added.

Reports of mass shootings in South Africa have been rising in recent years. Last December, eleven people, including a three-year-old child, were killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in Saulsville township, Pretoria. Just three weeks later, gunmen shot up a pub in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, killing nine.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world.