Twelve killed in Cleveland informal settlement shooting; police probe links to illegal mining

Twelve people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland on Tuesday evening, Gauteng police confirmed as authorities opened an investigation into possible links with illegal mining and organised crime.

Police, emergency services respond after late-night attack

Members of the South African Police Service responded at approximately 11:10pm to a report of a shooting in progress in the informal settlement. On arrival they found numerous victims with gunshot wounds and summoned Emergency Medical Services to assist the injured.

How the attack unfolded

Police said 10 suspects were allegedly dropped off in a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland. The suspects then allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances, moved through the area and opened fire on residents and community members at multiple locations.

The victims included nine men and three women. The suspects allegedly fled the scene in the same vehicle.

Police statement and ongoing lines of inquiry

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni spoke at the scene, saying at least one rifle was used in the attack and that the motive remained unclear. He said police were working on the assumption the shooting may be linked to illegal mining and possible warring factions, but cautioned that investigators could not yet confirm the cause.

“There are no positive leads as it’s too early. As you know, this area is just adjacent to the illegal mining area. However, we cannot confirm whether this incident was caused by illegal mining. We have those suspicions…”

Context: recent police action in the area

Commissioner Mthombeni noted police had been in the settlement three weeks earlier on an intelligence-led operation. On that occasion officers recovered more than 1 000 rounds of live ammunition for an AK47, recovered several firearms including pistols, and made arrests.

Next steps

Police said they were still gathering information, including from a nearby garage about possible surveillance footage. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.