Date: June 10, 2026 l Reporter: Kimberly White
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South African police have launched a large-scale manhunt after at least 12 people were killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting at an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, marking one of the country’s deadliest incidents of gun violence this year.
The attack occurred late Tuesday night at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, a densely populated area located on the eastern side of Johannesburg. Authorities said officers responded to reports of active gunfire shortly after 11 p.m. and arrived to find multiple victims across several locations within the settlement.
According to the South African Police Service, investigators believe more than 10 armed suspects participated in the assault. The group allegedly arrived in a white Toyota Quantum vehicle and entered the settlement through separate access points before opening fire on residents and community members. The attackers later fled in the same vehicle.
Police confirmed that 11 victims died at the scene, while another injured victim later died in hospital. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Initial reports indicated that those killed included both men and women, though authorities have not publicly released their identities.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Provincial and district detectives, supported by forensic teams and crime intelligence units, have been deployed to gather evidence and identify those responsible. Officials said no arrests had been made as of Wednesday.
The shooting has renewed attention on South Africa’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. The country continues to record some of the highest homicide rates globally, with firearms frequently linked to organized crime, territorial disputes, and violence in informal settlements.
Residents in the area expressed fear and frustration following the attack, with many calling for stronger security measures and a more visible police presence in vulnerable communities. Authorities have appealed to the public for information that may assist investigators as efforts continue to locate the suspects and establish the circumstances behind the mass killing.