A brazen daytime shooting outside the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday left two people dead and three wounded, sparking urgent calls for a review of security at court facilities nationwide.
The attack occurred just after 2:30 p.m. as a group was leaving the court building. According to police, three gunmen, armed with firearms, gained access through a pedestrian entrance and opened fire on the group in the parking area.
The victims were in attendance for a pre-trial conference of an accused person who was out on bail. The group included family members and a legal representative of the accused. The accused’s lawyer was among the three injured.
Gauteng police confirmed they are investigating two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. The suspects fled the scene on foot before being picked up by a white Audi, which authorities later determined to be a cloned vehicle. The vehicle’s number plate was discarded at the scene.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, visited the crime scene and was briefed by officials. He expressed grave concern over the incident occurring in such close proximity to a court.
“The fact that this incident took place outside and in close proximity to the operations of the court would need us to reassess and strengthen visible policing and other security measures outside of the court,” Nel stated. He confirmed he has already raised the issue with the local station commander, Brigadier Jones, and is engaging with Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola and Deputy Ministers of Police to strengthen police presence at courts countrywide.
One deceased victim remained at the scene for several hours as forensic teams worked. The three injured were transported to different medical facilities: the Johannesburg Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, the Johannesburg Helen Joseph Hospital, and Milpark Hospital.
Family members of the victims, who were present at the courthouse, were reportedly too distraught to speak to the media and requested privacy.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police say no arrests have been made. Authorities have mobilized resources, including the Serious and Violent Crime unit, to investigate.
This incident has renewed concerns about the safety and security of South Africa’s courts, following a history of violent attacks targeting witnesses, victims, and the accused in or near court premises.