At Least 12 Killed, 9 Wounded in Mass Shooting at Johannesburg Informal Settlement

At least 12 people were killed and nine others wounded in a late-night mass shooting at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

Police responded to reports of a shooting at around 11:10 p.m. and found multiple victims with gunshot wounds upon arrival. Eight men and three women were declared dead at the scene, with a 12th victim, an adult male, succumbing to injuries later in hospital.

According to initial reports, more than 10 heavily armed suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus. They reportedly split into groups, entered the settlement from different sides, and opened fire indiscriminately on residents before fleeing the area. No arrests have been made.

The motive for the attack remains unknown, though local speculation has linked it to ongoing tensions involving illegal mining activities (“zama zamas”) in the area. Gauteng police have launched a manhunt, and senior officers, including Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, are expected to visit the scene on Wednesday.

This incident marks one of the deadliest mass shootings in the Johannesburg area in recent times and has heightened concerns about violence in informal settlements. Police investigations are ongoing, with appeals for witnesses to come forward.