Law Society calls for urgent security measures following deadly court shooting
SECURITY ALERT
Police and emergency services are at the scene following a shooting in which at least five people were shot at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg.
Image: File/ Henk Kruger
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has condemned a fatal shooting at Booysens Magistrate's Court that left two dead and three injured, , including a legal practitioner.
They are calling for urgent security improvements at court facilities nationwide.
LSSA President Nkosana Mvundlela described the attack as "a direct affront to the rule of law" and is engaging with authorities to prevent future incidents.
According to preliminary reports, five people were shot at the court precinct, with two fatalities declared at the scene and three individuals transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The incident occurred as a group of people, who had been attending court proceedings, were leaving the premises, when armed assailants allegedly opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The President of the Law Society of South Africa, Nkosana Mvundlela, has conveyed the organisation’s heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended wishes of strength and recovery to those who were injured.
“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,” said Mvundlela.
The society said that that law enforcement agencies had launched an investigation into the incident and that senior officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had indicated that security measures around court precincts would be reviewed and strengthened.
The LSSA called on the relevant authorities to urgently assess and reinforce security infrastructure not only within court buildings, but also in surrounding precincts, including parking areas and access points.
This must include increased visible policing, improved access control measures, and enhanced coordination between court security and the South African Police Service.
“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 government to prioritise the protection of judicial institutions and all who serve within them,” Mvundlela added.