Three Lesotho nationals appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on today facing murder and attempted murder charges in connection with a mass shooting that left 13 people dead and 14 others injured at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland.

Molebeli Mosia (34), Ramonne Tsibela (32) and Zipho Metsing (26) were arrested on 23 June at the Kwa Mai Mai informal settlement following an investigation by the South African Police Service.

Court appearance and charges

The three men are accused of participating in a shooting spree on 9 June that has shocked communities across Gauteng. The men now face 13 counts of murder and 14 counts of attempted murder. The matter has been postponed to 2 July for address verification and to facilitate the scheduling of a bail hearing. The accused remain in custody.

Hour-long shooting spree terrorises settlement

According to witness accounts, at least 10 armed individuals arrived at the settlement in a white Toyota Quantum minibus and were dropped off near a petrol station before entering the gated settlement through two entrances. The assailants then opened fire indiscriminately on residents.

Witnesses reported that the shooting lasted for more than an hour, with gunfire echoing through the settlement as residents scrambled for safety.

The initial death toll stood at 12, but rose to 13 after a 43-year-old woman from Lesotho died from her injuries at a hospital in Carletonville the week following the attack. Among those killed were Hillary Ndoro from Zimbabwe, Jone Paulo Mussadaro and Jeremia Manuel from Mozambique, South African Melusi Mthembu, and Mozambican nationals Matilda Matsimbe and Matsinhe Matsimbe.

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Police investigation leads to arrests

Police officers visited surviving victims in hospital to obtain statements. After their discharge, victims accompanied investigators to the Kwa Mai Mai informal settlement, where they identified the three accused. Police recovered more than 100 rounds of 9mm live ammunition from one of the suspects’ residences during the arrests.

While authorities have not confirmed a definitive motive, the area is known for illegal mining operations, and the attack is suspected to be related to turf wars between illegal mining groups, known locally as zama zamas, operating in the vicinity of Cleveland.

The NPA said it remains committed to ensuring that all those responsible for the incident are held accountable.

“The NPA will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to pursue justice for the victims and their families,” said NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole.

The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the attack.

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