Crime fighters and political parties have expressed shock at the escalation of violence inside the state buildings, following the shooting inside Wynberg Magistrate's Court.
Image: File Picture
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said they would be tightening security measures for witnesses at courts, and is considering the use of virtual testimonies to ensure their safety.
This, while crime fighters and political parties have expressed shock at the escalation of violence inside the state buildings, and called for security to be beefed-up and reviewed.
Kubayi was responding to the shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on April 8, which claimed the life of man, identified as Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49.
An eyewitness described in horror how the gunman pulled out his firearm, releasing four shots and killing the victim in the court corridors.
The Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice reported that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refuted claims that he was a State witness.
"The NPA has just been advised that the deceased who passed away following an alleged shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court building was an accused who appeared at Court D. I can confirm that the accused was charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm," the Daily Voice quoted NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.
Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, said the minister called for tighter security measures.
The body of the deceased removed from the court by forensic pathologists on the scene.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
“We have received the report regarding the incident, and the minister strongly condemns this act, as it undermines the safety and integrity of the justice system,” he said.
“The minister says such incidents have the potential to deter witnesses from assisting the state in prosecuting cases successfully.
“The South African Police Service is currently handling the investigation into how this incident occurred, and all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation.
“The minister has committed to engaging with the judiciary to explore mechanisms for better protecting witnesses.
“One of the options under consideration is the expanded use of technology, such as virtual remote testimony, as a means to enhance witness safety while still ensuring that justice is served."
The DA said they called for the security measures to be reviewed at court houses.
"We reiterate our call for the Ministers of Police to urgently appear before the Select Committee on Security and Justice to account for the continued failures in securing our communities, our prisons and now also our courts. The DA will continue to fight internal corruption in these institutions, to protect the citizens who place their trust in the justice system.”
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
Image: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Newspapers
Lynn Phillips of the Cape Town Safety Forum said the state of security procedures had to be investigated, and whether there was any corruption or negligence.
“The question that comes to mind is, how was this breach possible, were security members negligent, or are they part of such activities, or they haven't done a thorough search?
“This means the security breach needs to be analysed at courts and security members should be also screened and vetted constantly.”
Anti-crime group, Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA), echoed the same sentiments.
They questioned how the firearm was smuggled into court, where there are cameras, police officers and security officers.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais's office, said she condemned the attack inside a courthouse.
"It points to a larger issue regarding proper access control measures at these key installations. The minister calls for thorough investigations into the circumstances which allowed the perpetrators access to court buildings with firearms and other dangerous weapons, improved security at our courts and urge the SAPS to pursue those who display a total disregard to human life and the authority of the state," her office said.
Cape Argus
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