The number of people injured in the mass shooting that devastated the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, has risen to 15, while the death toll remains at 12 as police intensify investigations into one of Gauteng’s deadliest attacks in recent years.

Gauteng police confirmed on Thursday that the number of injured victims had increased from the initial figure of 10 reported following the attack.

“The number of injured victims in the Cleveland mass shooting has increased to 15. The death toll is still standing at 12. Investigations are underway to establish the motive of the shooting,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

The massacre unfolded shortly after 11 pm on Tuesday night when heavily armed gunmen stormed the informal settlement and opened fire on residents at multiple locations.

According to police, members of the South African Police Service responded to reports of a shooting in progress at approximately 11:10 pm on Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers discovered numerous victims suffering from gunshot wounds, prompting the immediate deployment of Emergency Medical Services.

Preliminary investigations indicate that more than 10 suspects arrived near the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum before splitting into groups and entering the area through different access points.

The gunmen allegedly moved through sections of the settlement, firing at residents and community members before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.

Eight men and three women were declared dead at the scene, while another male victim later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 12.

Fifteen other victims are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at various medical facilities.

Police have not yet established a motive for the killings, but investigators are examining several leads, including the possibility that the attack may be linked to ongoing disputes involving illegal mining syndicates operating in and around Cleveland.

A source familiar with the area told journalists that while violence linked to illegal mining activities is not uncommon, attacks of this scale inside the informal settlement itself are rare.

According to the source, clashes between rival groups of zama zamas have historically occurred around mining sites and abandoned shafts rather than inside residential sections of the community.

Provincial and district detectives, supported by crime intelligence operatives and forensic experts, have been mobilised as part of a large-scale investigation and manhunt.

No arrests had been made by Thursday afternoon.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) condemned the killings, saying the attack underscored the urgent need for stronger action against violent crime.

“We are deeply disturbed by yet another senseless act of violence that has left families shattered, communities traumatised and residents living in fear,” the party said in a statement.

“The tragic loss of innocent lives highlights the urgent need for stronger interventions to combat violent crime and restore public confidence in the country’s safety and security structures.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also expressed shock at the massacre, describing it as another painful reminder of the security challenges facing communities across Gauteng and South Africa.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those who survived this barbaric attack,” the party said.

“Once again, a Gauteng community has been left traumatised by criminal violence while residents continue to live under constant fear and insecurity.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng said the attack highlighted the growing influence of organised criminal networks linked to illegal mining activities.

Gauteng EFF chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said reports suggesting a possible connection to illegal mining conflicts could not be ignored.

“The EFF notes reports that the massacre may be linked to ongoing conflicts involving illegal mining syndicates operating in and around Cleveland,” Dunga said.

“While investigations must establish the full facts, it is undeniable that illegal mining has become a major source of organised crime, violence and instability in parts of Gauteng.”

Dunga further raised concerns about persistent allegations from residents that some members of the South African Police Service may be colluding with criminal syndicates involved in illegal mining operations.

“These allegations, including claims that criminal operations continue under the protection of corrupt officials, require urgent investigation,” he said.

The EFF also warned against attempts to exploit the tragedy to fuel xenophobia.

“Criminality has no nationality. The fight against illegal mining must target criminal syndicates and their networks, not innocent people on the basis of their country of origin.”

The party renewed its call for the deployment of specialised organised crime investigators, crime intelligence units and anti-corruption teams to Cleveland and other illegal mining hotspots.

As investigators work to determine who orchestrated the attack and why, residents of Jumpers Informal Settlement remain shaken by a night of violence that claimed 12 lives and left 15 others wounded.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

For now, authorities say all possible motives remain under investigation as detectives pursue leads in what has become one of the most significant mass murder investigations in Gauteng this year.