CLEVELAND, Gauteng — Twelve people were killed last night when approximately 10 suspects stormed Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, opening fire at multiple locations before fleeing the scene, in an attack authorities suspect is linked to illegal mining activity.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that a specialized crime intelligence team has been activated to investigate the massacre. The response unit includes tracker teams, the criminal record center, and crime scene management specialists working to gather evidence.
“We can confirm that rifles were utilized,” Commissioner Mthombeni stated, though he noted investigators cannot yet specify whether the weapons were AK-47s, R5s, or other firearm types. “We are trying to collect the information. Hopefully we’ll be in a position to have a breakthrough.”
The Cleveland Community Policing Forum (CPF) says the violence reflects a broader crisis. CPF representative Vuyani Mankosi described the situation as having “spiralled out of control,” with the community living in constant fear.
“The situation of the Zama Zamas actually is escalating to whereby now it is out of control,” Mankosi said, referring to suspected illegal miners. “As we speak, the community at this moment they are actually in fear.”
Mankosi noted that this is not an isolated incident. In 2024, a similar shooting near a local garage left one person dead. He added that shootings now occur nearly every day, predominantly at night, making prevention efforts exceptionally difficult.
Patrol operations face significant logistical hurdles. The settlement’s narrow, informal streets prevent police vehicles from accessing many areas, particularly after dark when most violent incidents occur. Mankosi explained that even when police attempt daytime patrols, the critical night-time window remains largely unmonitored due to both terrain challenges and resource constraints.
“Sometimes because the place is not easy… the police can patrol or drive the cars around especially at night,” Mankosi said. “It is difficult to monitor such incidents… they are short of resources sometimes.”
Community members have previously reported tensions among suspected illegal miners, including police confiscations of mining equipment. While Mankosi could not verify the precise causes of internal conflicts, he suggested disputes over territory, money, or operational control may be factors.
Following the attack, Mankosi confirmed he spoke with the local station commander. Increased vehicle patrols have been deployed across the sector to deter further violence and respond to suspicious activity.
However, the CPF representative emphasized that short-term patrols are insufficient. He called on municipal and national authorities to provide sustained support, including additional resources for police and structured empowerment programs for community policing volunteers.
“The government can help with more resources to the police and then they can empower the CPF so that we can have a better strategic way in terms of these challenges,” Mankosi said.
He cautioned against placing CPF members in high-risk frontline roles without proper training and equipment, referencing fatalities among community volunteers during night patrols in Cape Town.
“It is very difficult for CPF to patrol [when] there was too much big guns,” he stated.
As investigations continue, residents remain on edge. With the motive still unconfirmed and suspects at large, the Cleveland community faces an uncertain night under heightened but constrained security measures.
