JOHANNESBURG — Law enforcement authorities have apprehended three suspects linked to the deadly Jumpers Informal Settlement mass shooting that left 13 people dead and 14 others wounded. The breakthrough in the investigation marks a significant step toward justice fo r the victims of the June 9, 2026, tragedy.
The successful operation was executed on June 23, 2026, following an intensive, intelligence-driven manhunt. Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni had previously deployed a specialized, multi-agency task force to track down the gunmen. This elite unit included operatives from the Provincial Murder and Robbery unit, the Provincial Tracking Team, the Krugersdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Johannesburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), the National Intervention Unit (NIU), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Acting on gathered intelligence, the joint task force tracked the suspects to the KwaMaiMai Informal Settlement. The apprehended individuals are three Lesotho nationals, aged 26, 32, and 36. During the search of their location, officers discovered more than 100 rounds of live 9mm ammunition at the residence of one of the accused.
Praising the relentless efforts of the investigators, Lieutenant General Mthombeni highlighted the squad’s dedication to solving the barbaric act.
“This team demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in arresting the perpetrators responsible for these heinous murders and attempted murders,” Mthombeni said. “They have worked day and night since this incident, sacrificing their own comfort and safety. We hope the arrests bring solace to the families of the victims.”
The trio is now in police custody and is slated to make their first court appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on June 25, 2026. They will face formal charges of murder and attempted murder.
