Johannesburg | At least 10 people were killed and around 10 others injured in a deadly shooting incident near Johannesburg in South Africa, police said on Sunday. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. The information was confirmed by the police and reported by AFP.
According to officials, an unidentified gunman opened fire indiscriminately on pedestrians in a village located around 40 kilometres from Johannesburg. The attacker suddenly began targeting people passing through the area, triggering panic and chaos within minutes. Ten victims died on the spot, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Police said the motive behind the attack is still unknown and an investigation is underway. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt to trace the shooter, who fled the scene after the incident.
Reports suggest that the firing took place near a liquor outlet in an area surrounded by gold mines, where a large number of workers are employed. Police also indicated that illegal alcohol trade is prevalent in the locality, which could be one of the angles being examined as part of the investigation.
The acting police commissioner of Gauteng province said that statements are being recorded from local residents and eyewitnesses. Teams from the crime investigation unit and intelligence department have been deployed at the site to gather evidence and assess possible links to organised crime.
Gun Violence on the Rise
South Africa has witnessed a surge in gun-related violence in recent weeks. Earlier this month, on December 6, armed assailants attacked a hostel in another incident, killing at least 12 people. The growing prevalence of illegal firearms and the thriving illicit alcohol trade have raised serious concerns among authorities and the public alike.
Police have urged citizens to cooperate with investigators and report any information that could help identify those responsible for the Johannesburg-area shooting.
