Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement that claimed 13 lives and left 14 people injured on June 9.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrests follow an intensive investigation launched after the deadly attack. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, mobilised additional resources to track down those responsible.

A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT) Krugersdorp, Johannesburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) led the operation.

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The breakthrough came on June 23 when police arrested three Lesotho nationals at KwaMaiMai informal settlement.

During the operation, officers recovered more than 100 rounds of 9mm live ammunition from the residence of one of the suspects.

The suspects, aged 26, 32 and 36, are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on June 25 on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Mthombeni welcomed the arrests and commended investigators for their dedication and perseverance.

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“This team demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in arresting the suspects linked to these heinous crimes. They have worked tirelessly since the incident, often at great personal sacrifice. We hope these arrests bring some measure of comfort to the families of the victims,” he said.

Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that officers are pursuing additional suspects believed to have been involved in the shooting.

SAPS described the arrests as a significant breakthrough as authorities continue efforts to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.