Police confirmed on Wednesday that at least 12 people were killed and nine others injured when gunmen opened fire in the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday evening.
Authorities said they have launched a search for more than 10 suspects involved in the attack.
How did the attack happen?
According to police statements reported by Reuters, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum. They allegedly entered the settlement from two different access points and fired at several places inside the area before fleeing in the same vehicle.
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Informal settlements in South Africa are unplanned residential areas, usually made up of temporary housing structures.
Victims and emergency response
As cited by Sky News, officials said officers found multiple victims at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Eight men and three women were pronounced dead at the scene, while another person later died in hospital from his injuries.
Nine injured victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Investigation continues, motive unclear
Police said the motive behind the attack is currently unknown. A full investigation has been launched as officers continue to search for the suspects.
The challenge of ongoing violence in South Africa
South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, with one of the highest murder rates recorded in the world, averaging about 60 murders per day.
Read more: Asim Munir Army shot dead 19 children, 7 pregnant women during action in PoK
The country has seen several high-profile mass shootings in recent months, including two in December that left more than 20 people dead in total.
Some of these attacks have been linked to illegal mining gangs operating in and around Johannesburg, and Cleveland is believed to be linked to such activity, although no direct connection to this case has been confirmed.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that at least 12 people were killed and nine others injured when gunmen opened fire in the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, on Tuesday evening.
Authorities said they have launched a search for more than 10 suspects involved in the attack.
How did the attack happen?
According to police statements reported by Reuters, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum. They allegedly entered the settlement from two different access points and fired at several places inside the area before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Read more: Amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia and Turkey sign mega deal to revive Hejaz Railway…, What is the total length of this railway route?
Informal settlements in South Africa are unplanned residential areas, usually made up of temporary housing structures.
Victims and emergency response
As cited by Sky News, officials said officers found multiple victims at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Eight men and three women were pronounced dead at the scene, while another person later died in hospital from his injuries.
Nine injured victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Investigation continues, motive unclear
Police said the motive behind the attack is currently unknown. A full investigation has been launched as officers continue to search for the suspects.
The challenge of ongoing violence in South Africa
South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, with one of the highest murder rates recorded in the world, averaging about 60 murders per day.
Read more: Asim Munir Army shot dead 19 children, 7 pregnant women during action in PoK
The country has seen several high-profile mass shootings in recent months, including two in December that left more than 20 people dead in total.
Some of these attacks have been linked to illegal mining gangs operating in and around Johannesburg, and Cleveland is believed to be linked to such activity, although no direct connection to this case has been confirmed.
First published: June 10, 2026 11:53 am IST
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news/ World/At least 12 people killed in mass shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa, investigation underway
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