Johannesburg shooting: Multiple children dead in horror attack as police swarm scene

A mass shooting in a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, has left at least two dead. Authorities have suggested the incident was linked to gang violence.

SABC News, citing Gauteng police spokesperson Brenda Muridili, said six teenagers were shot and the victims were taken to hospital. Two of them were declared dead at the scene and four have been receiving medical attention.

It is reported the six, aged 14 to 19 years, were shot at by three suspects believed to be members of a rival gang.

Ms Muridili is reported as saying the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit is at the scene with SAPS Forensic Services. She said District Crime Intelligence has also been mobilised to help the Anti-Gang Unit trace the suspects.

Private security firm, Vision Tactical, said its staff have been at the scene. It said initial reports suggest the shooting may be linked to ongoing gang-related violence.

The company initially said seven children were shot and were in critical condition. It said two children died and the emergency services and police were at the scene.

Photos shared on social media show a cordon stretching across a road, yellow markers and officers in high-viz jackets.

A suburb of Johannesburg, Westbury is in South Africa's Gauteng province in the country's Highveld inland plateau.

Local media reports the area has been plagued by gang violence, with illegal firearms fuelling turf wars which leave civilians terrified for their lives.

Anti-gang police were pelted with rocks and bottles in Westbury earlier this year as they attempted to arrest a man found in possession of drugs.

The police withdrew, but the attack drew condemnation from the authorities of some members of the local community who were accused of turning on officers trying to combat gang violence on their streets.