South African police said at least 12 people were killed and nine others injured after gunmen opened fire in an informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday evening.

Authorities have launched a large-scale manhunt for more than 10 suspects believed to have been involved in the attack, while the motive remains unknown.

According to police, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus, entered the settlement through two separate access points, and opened fire at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.

South Africa continues to face one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with an average of around 60 murders reported each day.