A mass shooting in a Johannesburg residential area has left 12 people dead, triggering an urgent manhunt by South African police. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night in the Soweto district, represents a stark escalation in the country's ongoing struggle with violent crime despite recent efforts to curb firearm proliferation.
According to preliminary reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS), attackers armed with automatic weapons entered a residential compound in the Orlando East area and opened fire on a gathering of individuals. Emergency services arrived at the scene within minutes, but twelve victims were pronounced dead on arrival, with no survivors reported. The motive remains unclear, but investigators are exploring links to organised crime and gang activity, which have been a persistent threat in the region.
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed in a statement that a specialised task force has been mobilised. “We are utilising every resource available to track down those responsible. This was a heinous act that has no place in our society,” he said. The task force includes forensic experts, detectives from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), and tactical response teams. Roadblocks and vehicle checks have been established across greater Johannesburg.
Witness accounts describe a scene of chaos. “We heard rapid gunfire for about 30 seconds. Then silence. Then screaming,” said a neighbour who spoke to local media on condition of anonymity. The compound, a multi-unit dwelling common in Soweto, was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence. Ballistics analysis is underway, and police are reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses.
This incident comes amid heightened concern over mass shootings in South Africa. According to the latest crime statistics from SAPS, the number of murders increased by 6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with firearm-related incidents accounting for over 40% of those deaths. The government has faced criticism for failing to implement its National Firearms Policy, which was drafted to tighten ownership laws but has stalled in parliament.
Community leaders in Soweto have called for calm and cooperation with authorities. “We cannot allow fear to paralyse us, but we demand action. The state must protect its people,” said Thandiwe Ndlovu, a local councillor. The South African government has offered a reward of up to 1 million rand for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
As the manhunt intensifies, police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The tragedy adds to a grim tally of violent events in the region this year, underscoring the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, weak enforcement, and deeply entrenched criminal networks. For now, Johannesburg mourns as detectives race to prevent further bloodshed.
