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Mass Shooting at Johannesburg Informal Settlement Kills 12, Injures 9 as Manhunt Continues

June 10, 2026 • 15:19 UTC WNS News Desk 6 min read mass shooting, South Africa

JOHANNESBURG — June 10, 2026 — At least 12 people were killed and nine others wounded in a mass shooting at an informal settlement in Johannesburg’s Cleveland suburb late Tuesday, June 9, as South African police launched an intensive manhunt for more than 10 heavily armed suspects.

The attack occurred at approximately 11:10 p.m. local time (21:10 GMT) at the Jumpers Informal Settlement, according to the South African Police Service . The assailants arrived in a white Toyota Quantum minibus and entered the densely populated settlement through multiple access points before systematically opening fire on residents .

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Attackers ‘Moved Through Area’ Shooting at Multiple Locations

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the suspects were dropped off near a petrol station in Cleveland before advancing into the settlement .

“The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” police said in a statement .

Emergency responders arrived to find victims scattered across different sections of the settlement . According to police, eight adult men and three adult women were pronounced dead at the scene, while a 12th victim — another man — succumbed to his injuries at a hospital .

At least nine other individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to various medical facilities for treatment .

Illegal Mining Suspected as Possible Motive

While police have not officially determined a motive, investigators are exploring a potential connection to illegal mining networks operating in the area. The Cleveland suburb is adjacent to abandoned mine shafts where informal miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” extract gold remnants .

“As you know, this area is adjacent to the illegal mining area. We are having those suspicions,” said Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng provincial police commissioner, who described the attack as “heartless” and “barbaric” .

Local community members believe the shooting may be linked to a turf war between rival groups of illegal miners vying for control of lucrative abandoned gold mines in the region .

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Crime Intelligence Mobilized as Search Intensifies

Provincial and national police resources have been mobilized to track down the perpetrators. “Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilized to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” Mathe said .

The South African Police Service has deployed tactical response units to assist in the investigation, which remains ongoing. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday afternoon .

Authorities have urged community members to come forward with any information that could help identify the white Toyota Quantum used as the getaway vehicle .

Violence Highlights South Africa’s Crime Crisis

The shooting underscores South Africa’s persistent struggle with violent crime. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with approximately 60 people killed daily on average .

Mass shootings have become increasingly frequent. In December 2025, two separate mass shootings claimed more than 20 lives, one of which also involved multiple shooters . Informal settlements — unplanned residential areas typically consisting of makeshift shacks — remain particularly vulnerable to gang violence and territorial disputes .

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said specialist forensic teams had been deployed and that tracing the white minibus was a key priority .

Police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating the suspects or the getaway vehicle. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families .

SOURCES

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