A shooting outside a Johannesburg court on Tuesday left two people dead and three others injured, prompting renewed alarm over security lapses at South Africa’s court facilities and the safety of those seeking access to justice.
The attack occurred just metres from the entrance of Booysens Magistrate’s Court where gunmen opened fire in what authorities believe may have been a targeted incident.
The shooting immediately reignited long‑standing concerns about vulnerabilities at court precincts, many of which have faced criticism for inadequate security infrastructure.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development chairperson Xola Nqola condemned the incident, saying no one should fear for their safety when entering a court.
“Safety in and at our courts is non‑negotiable. No member of the public or any official should ever fear accessing justice in our country,” he said.
He urged law‑enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts to protect court users and staff, describing the shooting as a “senseless act of violence”.
The committee has previously flagged security shortcomings at several court buildings, including malfunctioning scanners and inconsistent enforcement of access‑control measures.
Nqola said the latest incident underscored the urgency of addressing these gaps, calling on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure full compliance with safety protocols.
Police investigations into the Booysens shooting are ongoing.
JN/APA