Twelve people have been killed and at least nine others injured following a mass shooting at Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg. The attack happened late on Tuesday night, 9 June 2026, prompting a major police investigation and manhunt for the suspects involved.
According to the South African Police Service, officers responded to reports of a shooting in progress at approximately 11:10pm. Upon arrival, police discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds across the informal settlement.
The incident is one of the deadliest mass shootings reported in Gauteng this year and has raised fresh concerns about violent crime in vulnerable communities across Johannesburg.
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What Happened at Jumpers Informal Settlement?
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that 12 people lost their lives during the attack.
Eight adult men and three adult women were declared dead at the scene. A further male victim later died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.
At least nine other victims were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene alongside police officers after reports of gunfire emerged from the settlement.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims pending formal identification processes and notification of families.
More Than 10 Suspects Allegedly Involved
According to police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, investigators believe the attack involved a large group of armed suspects.
Police allege that more than 10 suspects arrived in the area in a white Toyota Quantum before entering the settlement.
The suspects reportedly split up and entered through different access points before opening fire at multiple locations within the community.
Investigators believe the attackers then fled the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Police Launch Major Investigation
The South African Police Service has deployed provincial and district detectives, crime intelligence officials and forensic experts to investigate the killings.
Police are currently gathering witness statements, reviewing available evidence and working to establish the circumstances that led to the attack.
Authorities have urged members of the public with information to come forward.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown.
Police said determining why the attack occurred forms a central part of the ongoing investigation.
Gauteng Police Leadership Visits the Scene
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni was expected to visit the crime scene on Wednesday morning.
Senior police officials are expected to receive briefings from investigators and engage with community members affected by the incident.
The visit comes as police intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
Law enforcement agencies have not yet indicated whether the attack may be linked to criminal disputes, organised crime activity or other motives.
Community Left Reeling After Deadly Attack
Residents of Jumpers Informal Settlement woke up to a scene marked by loss and uncertainty following the shooting.
Mass shootings often have a significant impact on communities, particularly where multiple families are affected simultaneously.
The attack has left many residents seeking answers while investigators work to establish what happened and why.
Community leaders are expected to engage with authorities as the investigation progresses.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The Cleveland shooting highlights ongoing concerns around violent crime and public safety in parts of Gauteng.
For residents, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by communities affected by organised criminal activity and firearm related violence.
The scale of the attack is likely to place additional focus on policing operations, crime intelligence gathering and community safety initiatives across Johannesburg.
Residents with information that may assist investigators are encouraged to cooperate with authorities to help bring those responsible to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred at Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg.
How many people were killed?
Twelve people died as a result of the attack, according to preliminary police investigations.
How many people were injured?
At least nine people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Have any arrests been made?
No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Do police know the motive for the attack?
No. Police have confirmed that the motive remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Continues as Police Search for Answers
Police investigations into the Cleveland mass shooting remain ongoing as detectives work to identify and arrest those responsible.
With 12 lives lost and several others injured, the incident has become one of Gauteng’s most serious violent crime cases of 2026. Authorities have appealed for public assistance as they continue efforts to uncover the motive and track down the suspects behind the attack.
