Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister Andries Nel has issued a grave warning following a brazen and deadly attack at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, where gunmen struck in broad daylight, turning a place of justice into a scene of terror.
Nel was speaking outside the court on Tuesday after five people were shot, two of them killed instantly, in what he described as a disturbing and escalating trend of violence targeting eyewitnesses and accused persons during court appearances.
He warned that attacks at national key points are a direct assault on South Africa’s Constitution and the rule of law.
“Those incidents are a direct assault on constitutional democracy,” Nel said.
“They destroy public confidence in the justice system and instil fear among magistrates, prosecutors and court officials who come to work expecting safety.”
Nel said criminals are exploiting the predictability of court processes, turning court precincts into hunting grounds where victims can be easily tracked.
“Our courts are being used as places where certain people will be at a certain time — and that is exactly what happened here,” he said.
“This forces us to urgently revisit security arrangements, not only inside court buildings, but throughout the entire precinct and surrounding areas, in collaboration with the police.”
He revealed that at least 14 security personnel and four wardens are stationed at the court at all times, yet the attack still unfolded, raising serious questions about the adequacy of current safety measures.
The Booysens shooting is the latest in a chilling pattern of violence at judicial facilities. Four similar incidents were recorded last year, including attacks at the Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wynberg Magistrates’ Courts in the Western Cape, as well as at the Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal.
Despite the bloodshed and heightened fears, the court is expected to continue operating on Wednesday.
