Cleveland mass shooting leaves 12 dead as police launch manhunt

The Gauteng police commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, is expected to visit the scene of a mass shooting in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg where 12 people were killed.

The visit on June 10 follows the deadly attack at the Jumpers informal settlement on the evening of June 9, which also left several people injured.

According to police, officers responded to reports of an ongoing shooting shortly after 23:00. On arrival, they found multiple victims with gunshot wounds and immediately requested emergency medical assistance.

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Preliminary investigations indicate that eight adult men and three adult women were declared dead at the scene. One additional male victim later died in hospital. At least nine other victims were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

Police allege that more than 10 suspects arrived in a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland before entering the informal settlement through two access points. The suspects allegedly moved through the area, firing at residents at several locations before fleeing in the same vehicle.

Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic specialists, have been deployed to investigate the incident and track down those responsible.

Police said the motive for the attack remains unknown and is part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests had been made at the time of publication.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips via the MySAPS mobile application.