Call for urgent overhaul of security at courts nationwide following deadly incident
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has called for a full-scale investigation into the fatal shooting that occurred inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, raising serious concerns about security at judicial facilities across the country.
A 50-year-old man, believed to be a taxi owner and an accused in an ongoing criminal case, was gunned down inside the courthouse. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape confirmed the victim's involvement in the case. A manhunt has since been launched for the suspect.
William Booth, Chairperson of the LSSA’s Criminal Law Committee, has condemned the security failings at the court, warning that similar vulnerabilities exist at other judicial venues nationwide.
“The security at the court is, in my view, a huge problem,” Booth said. “Some of the scanning devices were not operational, and this is not unique to Wynberg—it happens at many courts throughout South Africa.”
He also noted that several CCTV cameras in key areas of the court were not functioning at the time of the incident, hindering efforts to identify the shooter.
Booth, who appeared in court on Wednesday, said the shooting had left many magistrates and prosecutors visibly shaken.
“Several magistrates and prosecutors I spoke to were traumatised. This is something that needs to be seriously addressed,” he added.
The LSSA is urging authorities to prioritise a comprehensive review of court security systems to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all legal professionals and members of the public attending proceedings.