Johannesburg Shooting Leaves 11 Dead, Including Three Children
At least 11 people, including three children, were killed and nearly 20 others injured in a deadly shooting near Johannesburg, South Africa, officials said on Sunday. The incident is one of the deadliest gun attacks reported in the region in recent weeks and has once again highlighted the country’s high levels of violent crime.
According to Gauteng provincial police, the shooting took place in the early hours in the Bekkersdal area, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of Johannesburg. Unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on residents of a settlement situated near a gold mining area before fleeing the scene.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that the attackers targeted people living in the settlement, firing from behind and causing widespread panic. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, but 11 victims later succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released.
Authorities said the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and no arrests have been made so far. A large-scale manhunt has been launched, and forensic teams are examining the crime scene for evidence that could help identify the assailants.
“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence, ” Muridili said, adding that investigators are exploring all possible angles, including gang-related activity and local criminal disputes.
The Johannesburg-area shooting is the second major gun attack reported in South Africa within a month. Earlier, on December 6, at least 12 people — including a three-year-old child — were killed when gunmen opened fire at a hostel near the capital city, Pretoria. Police later revealed that the earlier shooting occurred at a location where alcohol was being sold illegally.
South Africa, home to around 63 million people, continues to struggle with one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. Repeated incidents of mass shootings have intensified public concern over safety and renewed calls for stronger law enforcement measures and gun control.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with police by sharing any information that could help track down those responsible for the deadly attack.