Twelve people have been k!lled and nine others injured following a mass sh00ting at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland.

According to reports, police responded to the sh00ting incident at about 11:10 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving reports of gunfire at the settlement. Upon arrival, officers found numerous victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Eight men and three women were pronounced d3ad at the scene, while another male victim later d!ed in hospital, bringing the d3ath toll to 12.

At least nine other people were taken to various hospitals for medical treatment.

Reports indicate that more than 10 heavily armed men arrived in a white Toyota Quantum shortly after 8 p.m. The suspects allegedly entered the settlement and opened fire at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.

A resident who spoke to the media said the sound of guπfire lasted for more than an hour as he hid in a toilet for safety.

The resident also claimed that sh00tings in the area have become increasingly common, noting that a community leader was sh0t d3ad last month.

Another community leader, who requested caution due to fears for her safety, suggested that the vi0lence may be linked to an ongoing dispute over illegal mining activities.

She described the area as dangerous and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, saying she feared becoming a target if she spoke out publicly.