Mass shooting: Police hunt suspects after 12 killed in Cleveland

Police have launched an extensive search for suspects following a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 12 people and injured several others at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, Gauteng, on Tuesday night.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers responded to reports of a shooting in progress at approximately 11:10pm on 9 June 2026. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene to provide assistance and transport the injured to hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate that 12 people died as a result of the attack. Eight adult men and three adult women were declared dead at the scene, while another male victim later died in hospital from his injuries.

At least nine other victims were taken to various medical facilities for treatment.

“It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. 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,” said Nevhuhulwi.

She said provincial and district detectives, together with crime intelligence officers and forensic experts, have been deployed to investigate the incident and trace those responsible.

The motive for the attack remains unknown. No arrests had been made.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

Police have vowed to pursue all available leads as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those behind one of the deadliest mass shootings recorded in Gauteng this year.