Forensic investigators examine evidence, including spent bullet casings, at the scene of the deadly shooting in the Jumpers informal settlement.
Image: Wendy Dondolo / IOL
An elderly woman from the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, where 12 people were killed in a mass shooting, says she now lives in fear after hiding under her bed when gunfire broke out on Tuesday night.
She initially mistook the sounds for fireworks.
The shooting, which took place on the evening of June 9, 2026, claimed 12 lives and left the community reeling in shock.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects responsible for the attack, which also left 10 people injured.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers responded to reports of a shooting in progress at the informal settlement at about 11.10pm.
"Upon arrival, police found numerous victims who had sustained gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to assist the injured," she said.
Preliminary investigations revealed 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 man later died in hospital.
At least 10 other victims were taken to various medical facilities for treatment.
According to police, more than 10 suspects were dropped off near a petrol station in Cleveland by a white Toyota Quantum.
The suspects allegedly entered the settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.
Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down those responsible.
The motive for the attack remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made.
When IOL News visited the scene on Wednesday morning, scores of residents, some still dressed in sleepwear, had gathered near the crime scene.
A heavy police presence remained in the area, with evidence of the violence still visible.
Bloodstains could be seen in several locations, including taverns, while spent bullet casings remained scattered on the ground.
Some bodies have been taken by forensic psychologists.
Speaking to the media, Sthembiso Gibson Fakude, 38, said the community remained traumatised by the attack.
"We started hearing what we thought were fireworks at about 8.40pm and didn't take it seriously," he said.
Community members look on in shock at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, where gunmen opened fire on residents in an attack that left 12 people dead.
Image: Simon Majadibodu / IOL
“There were different sounds, so we didn't immediately realise it was gunfire. As the shooting continued, the community became frightened because we realised these were gunshots."
Fakude said the gunfire continued for more than 25 minutes.
"When we woke up, we found that there had indeed been a shooting," he said.
He added that this was not the first such incident in the area.
"We have experienced similar incidents before. It keeps happening."
Fakude believes the violence may be linked to illegal mining activities.
"I think they are fighting over illegal mining. The conflict is about control of the mining shafts," he said.
He said fear has become part of daily life for many residents.
"I pray every day. Before I sleep, I pray and ask God to protect me," he said.
Fakude also criticised the police response, claiming officers arrived after the shooting had already ended.
"When the police came, it was already over. They heard the gunshots because the police station is nearby, but they did not come immediately," he alleged.
Eunice Sithole, an elderly resident who lives close to the crime scene, said she was woken by gunfire.
Police officers secure the crime scene at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, after a mass shooting left 12 people dead and several others wounded.
Image: Simon Majadibodu / IOL
“I was sleeping when it happened. I heard gunshots, then I ran under the bed to hide,” Sithole said.
“I’ve lived here for a long time but I didn’t know the people who got shot. I know it happened at a tavern. It is not the first time this has happened. In 2025 they shot and killed the woman who was my neighbour.”
Speaking to IOL, Sithole expressed fear for her safety.
“I’m really scared. As you see me standing here, I’m thinking what will happen to me next.”
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