JOHANNESBURG — At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured following a mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred on Cleveland Road between Drostdy Street and Hospital Street. According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, 11 victims died at the scene and one later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Of the deceased, nine were male and three female. The nine injured individuals were rushed to medical facilities; their conditions remain unconfirmed pending updates from health officials.
Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni stated that police received information about the incident and dispatched a response team. While some residents reported hearing gunshots around 8:00 p.m., authorities are verifying the precise timeline. Investigators believe more than 10 individuals occupied a taxi quantum involved in the incident. According to police, suspects blocked both entrances to Jumpers informal settlement, disembarked, and opened fire randomly.
Pathology units arrived on scene to recover the deceased. The area has been cordoned off as an active crime scene, with media access restricted by police tape. Officials noted significant operational challenges due to the settlement’s layout, which lacks proper roadways and requires personnel to navigate through residential structures.
Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni expressed confidence that arrests would be made, noting that police are pursuing positive leads. He confirmed that at least one rifle was used in the attack. Authorities are also working to locate and notify the next of kin for both the deceased and injured victims.
Community members described a climate of fear. One resident recounted hearing gunshots during the night and hiding under her bed for safety. Several residents voiced concerns about ongoing safety in the area, with some calling for the deployment of the South African National Defense Force and expressing frustration with local policing efforts.
Addressing questions about police intelligence and prevention, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni acknowledged that law enforcement had conducted operations in the area approximately three weeks prior, resulting in the seizure of firearms and the arrest of three suspects. He emphasized that police respond when called and are actively working to make arrests, rejecting suggestions that officers are not performing their duties.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential motives or suspect descriptions. Updates on the condition of hospitalized victims are expected from health officials.
