A shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court has raised questions about safety within the South African justice system.
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The criminal record of the man gunned down inside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court this week has surfaced, raising eyebrows as investigations into his murder continue.
The shooting on the fourth floor of the building on Tuesday, which houses the Wynberg Regional Court, sent tongues wagging amid initial claims that the victim was a State witness.
At the time of the incident, an eye witness reported that a lone gunman wearing a maroon t-shirt and a black beanie approached Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49, took a firearm out of his sling bag and fired four shots at his head.
Panic spread as people feared the gunman was still roaming the court corridors as sources revealed the victim was a person of interest in the murder of slain Junky Funky gang boss Ashley "Essie" Phillips, who was shot outside Brackenfell Police Station earlier this year.
According to a police report, Chintso had various murder charges brought against him for incidents in the Muizenberg police precinct.
The report shows that the man, whose address is in Philippi, had two pending murder cases against him dating back to January 2023.
It also shows that he was previously charged with murder in 2013 but the case was later withdrawn and he also faced charges of theft of a motor vehicle and being in possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
These charges dating back to 2019 were also withdrawn.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refuted claims that he was a State witness.
Spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: "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."
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson, Steve Mahlangu, said the incident has been strongly condemned by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who said it undermines the safety and integrity of the justice system.
"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.
The body of the deceased is removed from the court, with forensic pathologists on the scene.
Image: Armand Hough
"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 court was closed after the incident, however, we got a report that proceedings will continue today (Wednesday)," Mahlangu said.
Meanwhile police confirmed no arrests have been made.
Spokesperson Wesley Twigg said: "Kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation. The investigating officer is following up all leads in a bid to make a breakthrough in the case."
Cape Argus
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