Gunmen kill 12 in Johannesburg informal settlement attack

Gunmen attacked the Jumpers informal settlement in Johannesburg, South Africa, killing 12 people and injuring nine others. Police said more than 10 suspects are being sought and the attackers fled after shooting multiple victims. The motive remains unknown, while authorities continue investigations amid concerns over rising violence in informal settlements.

Police in South Africa said on Wednesday that gunmen carried out a deadly shooting in the Cleveland area of Johannesburg, leaving 12 people dead and nine others injured in what authorities described as a brutal and coordinated attack.
The incident took place on Tuesday evening at the Jumpers informal settlement, an area made up of densely packed metal shacks. Police confirmed that more than 10 suspects are currently being sought in connection with the attack, which has raised fresh concerns about safety in informal settlements and surrounding communities.
According to police accounts, the attackers arrived at the scene in a white Toyota Quantum minibus. They reportedly entered the settlement through two different access points, suggesting a planned operation. Once inside, the gunmen opened fire at multiple locations within the settlement before escaping in the same vehicle they used to arrive.
The attack occurred shortly before midnight in an area believed to be close to where illegal miners reside, adding further complexity to the investigation as authorities consider possible links to criminal networks operating in the area.
Police confirmed that 12 people died as a result of the shooting. Eight adult males and three adult females were declared dead at the scene, while another victim later succumbed to injuries after being taken to hospital.
Law enforcement officials say the motive behind the attack remains unclear at this stage. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said investigators are still gathering evidence and exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of links to nearby mining-related activities.
He described the incident as extremely violent and deeply disturbing, condemning it in strong terms and calling it “insane,” “heartless,” and “barbaric.”
South Africa continues to struggle with very high levels of violent crime and remains one of the countries with the highest murder rates globally, averaging around 60 killings per day. The latest mass shooting has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of informal settlements, where overcrowding, limited policing presence, and the presence of armed criminal groups often contribute to recurring outbreaks of violence.
Authorities have pledged to intensify investigations and track down those responsible, as fear and uncertainty continue to spread among residents of the affected community.