At least 12 people were killed, and nine were wounded on Tuesday evening when gunmen opened fire at an informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, police said on Wednesday.
The South African Police Service stated that, at approximately 11:10 p.m., officers had responded to a report of a shooting in progress at the Jumpers informal settlement, where they found the victims.
Eight men and three women were pronounced dead on the scene, the police said, while another man was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The nine wounded victims were also taken in for medical treatment.
"It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland," the police said. "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."
Police begin investigation into unknown shooters
The attackers' motivations are currently unknown, and no arrests have been made.
The police launched a manhunt for the suspects and put out a call for anyone with relevant information.
South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, averaging about 60 a day.