Suspects, all Lesotho nationals, expected to appear in court after 13 people were killed and 14 others injured in one of Gauteng’s deadliest recent attacks.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the mass shooting that left 13 people dead and 14 others injured at Jumpers Informal Settlement in Johannesburg earlier this month.
The arrests were made on Tuesday, following an intensive investigation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng. The suspects, aged 26, 32 and 36, are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 25 June, facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
The shooting, which occurred on 9 June 2026, shocked residents and renewed concerns about violent crime in informal settlements across Gauteng. Thirteen people were killed in the attack, while 14 others sustained injuries.
According to SAPS, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni mobilised additional resources immediately after the incident to track down those responsible. A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Johannesburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was assembled to investigate the case.
Police said intelligence-led operations led officers to KwaMaiMai Informal Settlement, where the three suspects, all Lesotho nationals, were arrested. During the operation, one of the suspects was allegedly found in possession of more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Mthombeni welcomed the breakthrough and praised investigators for their dedication.
“This team demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in arresting the perpetrators responsible for these heinous murders and attempted murders. They have worked day and night since this incident, sacrificing their own comfort and safety. We hope the arrests bring solace to the families of the victims,” he said.
The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread public attention. However, police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that more arrests could follow as authorities continue searching for additional suspects linked to the attack.
The motive behind the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
Mass shootings in informal settlements have become an increasing concern for law enforcement agencies, with many incidents linked to disputes involving criminal syndicates, extortion networks and territorial conflicts among illegal miners.
