Safety concerns have escalated following a shooting outside Booysens Magistrate’s Court yesterday, which left two people dead and three others injured.
Preliminary reports indicate that five individuals were shot in the court precinct. Two fatalities were declared at the scene, while three victims were transported to the hospital for medical attention.
The attack occurred as a group leaving court proceedings was allegedly targeted by armed assailants, who fled the scene in a white Audi reportedly using cloned number plates.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety expressed alarm that suspects were able to open fire at the entrance of a magistrate’s court, a national key point and legally designated gun-free zone.
“These failures are not minor oversights; they are costly, and in this case, they have cost lives. The Committee insists on holding the security company fully accountable for its role in this breach. This reckless act of violence represents a direct attack on the rule of law and public safety, demonstrating a growing boldness among criminals who show no regard for human life or the authority of state institutions,” said Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety.
Masuku also warned that the incident highlights Gauteng’s proliferation of illegal firearms.
“The ease with which firearms are accessed and used to commit violent crimes strengthens our call for decisive, coordinated action toward achieving a gun‑free Gauteng, supported by stronger intelligence-led policing and tighter firearm controls,” he said.
Calling on the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to act swiftly, Masuku added, “Those who terrorise communities and undermine the justice system must learn that the law will prevail. The Committee further urges members of the public with any information that may assist in the investigation to come forward. Community cooperation remains essential in the fight against violent crime.”
The President of the Law Society of South Africa, Nkosana Mvundlela, conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and extended wishes of recovery to the injured.
Mvundlela added that security measures around court precincts will be reviewed and strengthened.
“This violent attack within the vicinity of a court precinct is a direct affront to the rule of law and the administration of justice. Courts must remain safe spaces where legal practitioners, litigants, court officials, and members of the public can conduct and access justice without fear or intimidation. The LSSA strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and stands in solidarity with all those affected,” he said.
“The safety of legal practitioners and court users is not negotiable. The justice system cannot function effectively in an environment where violence threatens those tasked with upholding the law. We urge the government to prioritise the protection of judicial institutions and all who serve within them.”
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, visited the court yesterday, where he received a briefing from court management and the SAPS.
Addressing the media, Nel extended condolences to the affected families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He further revealed that the incident is linked to a case stemming from a violent stabbing at a pub in Mondior in April last year. The accused, out on bail, was attending a pre-trial conference at the court when the shooting occurred.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star