In the most recent court killing, an unknown gunman fatally shot a man at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, Cape Town, on 5 September.
The South African Police Service in the Western Cape revealed that the man was attending a court hearing as an accused.
Police preliminary investigations revealed that the gunman shot the victim on the court’s premises and fled the scene.
INCIDENT’S POSSIBLE LINK TO GANG-VIOLENCE
The police revealed in a statement that they suspect the incident could be a gang fight.
Officers searched the scene and found a firearm and personal belongings.
“There is no indication that the items belong to the victim,” said the police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa.
Officers are currently investigating the court killing and are searching for the gunman.
SHOOTINGS IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS
Authorities also reported that in a separate incident close to the scene, a man and a woman suffered gunshot wounds.
They were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, where they are recovering.
As a result, the police have opened a case of murder and two cases of attempted murder.
The court has shut its doors for the day, allowing the police to mop the scene.
RECENT COURT KILLINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Newzroom Afrika reported that this is the second shooting at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court; the first one happened on 3 February.
Additionally, a 23-year-old man fatally shot a 24-year-old victim outside Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court in August.
The suspect left another victim injured.
These incidents follow another fatal court shooting of a state witness at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
IS THE INCREASE IN KILLINGS OF COURT OFFICIALS AND INDIVIDUALS IN COURT PREMISES A CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
The rise in court killings and the killing of court officials such as Eastern Cape Prosecutor Tracy Brown and Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Elona Sombulula have raised concerns.
As a result, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Xola Nqola, released a statement condoning the recent court shootings and killings of court officials.
Nqola has called for increased security at court buildings.
What’s your take? Do you think there’s a link between the court killings and gang activities?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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