Three Lesotho nationals arrested in connection with Jumpers massacre

Gauteng police arrested three Lesotho nationals on 23 June 2026 in connection with a mass shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement that left 13 people dead and 14 injured.

Breakthrough after late-night attack

The shooting occurred on 9 June 2026, when at least 10 heavily armed individuals entered the Jumpers informal settlement through two entrances after being dropped off by a Toyota Quantum at a nearby garage. The attack has been linked to local illegal mining turf wars, according to the police.

Joint operation led to arrests

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a joint operation involving Gauteng’s Murder and Robbery Unit, Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team, Local Criminal Record Centre, National Intervention Unit and the South African National Defence Force located and arrested the three suspects at KwaMaiMai informal settlement on 23 June 2026.

Nevhuhulwi said that, during the arrests, one suspect was found with more than a hundred 9mm live ammunition at his house.

Police response and next steps

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni mobilised extra resources to investigate the attack and applauded the members involved, saying they showed “unwavering commitment and exceptional skill” in arresting those responsible for the “barbaric act”. He said investigators worked day and night on the case.

The three suspects, aged 26, 32 and 36, are expected to appear before the Johannesburg court on 25 June 2026 on charges of murder and attempted murder. Nevhuhulwi said investigations continue as police look for more suspects involved in the case.

Related policing actions

The arrest follows intensified efforts by Gauteng police to identify and detain those responsible for the mass shooting at the informal settlement. Authorities said the operation was built on intelligence gathering.