At least 12 people were killed as a group of “more than 10” suspects opened fire in an informal settlement in South Africa on Tuesday evening, police said.
The South African Police Service said on Wednesday that the group of suspects had been dropped off by a white van outside the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, a Johannesburg suburb, at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday night.
Members of the forensics team arrive at the scene after, according to the police, gunmen opened fire at an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 10, 2026.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
“The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” SAPS said in a statement posted on social media.
A Police oficer gestures next to a member of the forensics team after, according to the police, gunmen opened fire at an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 10, 2026.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
Police said a manhunt had been launched for the suspects. No arrests had yet been made, nor was there a suspected motive, police said.
Eight men and three women were declared dead at the scene, while another injured man was transferred to a hospital, where he later died, officials said. Nine others were transferred to hospitals with injuries from gunshots, police said.
Locals look on near the scene after, according to the police, gunmen opened fire at an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 10, 2026.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
“Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence and forensic experts, have been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down the suspects,” SAPS said in a statement.
The greater Johannesburg metro area is dotted with semi-permanent informal settlements, almost all of which are considered illegal. The settlements are marked by their distinct housing, much of which is built with cast-away material, including metal and wood scraps.
More than 5 million people live in such settlements in South Africa, according to Amnesty International.