GAUTENG — At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, with Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni describing the attack as “insane and barbaric.”
According to police, approximately 10 suspects arrived at the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum minibus around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The assailants entered the community through two different points and randomly opened fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing the scene.
Eleven victims—eight men and three women—were declared dead at the location. A 12th victim later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Nine others were injured and received medical treatment.
“The motive for the attack so far remains unknown and no arrests have been made,” police confirmed. Commissioner Mthombeni stated that specialized investigation teams, including crime intelligence, tracker units, the criminal record center, and crime scene management, have been activated and are pursuing leads.
While investigators are exploring all possibilities, Mthombeni noted that a connection to illegal mining activities is being considered, as the Jumpers informal settlement has known occurrences of such operations. However, he emphasized that no conclusive link has been established.
The shooting occurs against a backdrop of recently released crime statistics showing a decline in contact crimes across Gauteng during the first months of 2026. Despite this trend, the province continues to record the highest crime figures nationwide, with residential robberies remaining a major concern. Several communities, including Everton, Dobsonville, Orange Farm, and Thembisa, rank among the nation’s worst hotspots.
Commissioner Mthombeni highlighted ongoing efforts under Operation Chanela 2, which has resulted in thousands of arrests, firearms recoveries, and drug seizures. He noted that over 36,000 arrests were made, including 11,715 undocumented immigrants, as part of the Integrated Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS)—a whole-of-government approach approved in March 2022.
Addressing public concern over safety, Mthombeni acknowledged a recent poll indicating that 77% of respondents do not feel safer despite declining crime statistics. “To fight crime is a collective responsibility,” he said, pointing to collaborations with over 9,000 Community Policing Forums (“Community in Blue”), more than 217,000 private security personnel, and over 10,000 metropolitan police officers. He referenced the E2 project, a partnership with the security industry that has aided in operations such as the recent rescue of a kidnapped child.
On the issue of mob justice, which crime statistics identify as a leading contributor to murders, Mthombeni explained that such incidents typically occur spontaneously within groups rather than through organized vigilantism. “Vigilantism is not justice,” he stated, emphasizing that those killed are often someone’s child or breadwinner. He acknowledged community frustrations but urged continued reporting of crimes to prevent repeat offenses.
The Commissioner also addressed questions regarding police accountability following the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has exposed misconduct and led to arrests and suspensions of senior officers linked to tender irregularities, including the Medicare24 health services contract. Mthombeni described these developments as a “worrying factor” that affects morale but affirmed that operational structures remain functional.
When asked about a potential skills audit within the South African Police Service, Mthombeni defended the capability of the force, citing successful prosecutions and the advanced educational qualifications of many members. He stated that while specific individuals may face scrutiny, it would be inaccurate to characterize the entire service as unskilled.
Regarding a viral video showing a constable accepting 2,000 rand from a civilian, Mthombeni confirmed that the officer has been identified, the complainant contacted, and the case referred to the anti-corruption unit. A case docket has been opened for both departmental and criminal proceedings.
Commissioner Mthombeni concluded by reaffirming the police service’s commitment to public safety: “We are here to serve the country, and on a daily basis we have to ensure that we are on the ground and ensuring that the communities are and they feel safe.”
The investigation into the Cleveland mass shooting remains ongoing.
