Two women accused of orchestrating and facilitating a deadly shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court have been denied bail, following a courtroom appearance on Thursday.
The accused, Shireen Matthews, allegedly the mastermind behind the killing, and Wanay Farao, believed to be a gun smuggler, face serious charges linked to the murder of taxi operator Dingalomoya Chintso.
Chintso was shot and killed inside the courtroom on 8 April 2025, shortly after appearing in a separate murder case.
The incident sparked outrage over lax security in South Africa’s courtrooms and raised alarm bells about escalating violence in the taxi industry.
Court ruling
Magistrates at the Wynberg court ruled that Matthews and Farao posed a flight risk and had evaded police after the killing.
Both women had been on the run, and their legal teams failed to convince the court that they should be released.
“In other words, both applicants have not discharged the onus set upon them in terms of section 60 (11a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1997. In the result, the bail applications of both first and second applicant are denied,” the magistrate stated.
The ruling came after prosecutors argued that releasing the suspects would undermine public trust and obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Background and investigation
Chintso, from Vrygrond, was well-known in Cape Town’s competitive taxi industry.
His assassination inside a court building shocked many and drew widespread media attention.
Investigators believe the killing was part of an orchestrated hit, with suspected connections to gang and taxi violence.
Police have arrested a total of five suspects in connection with the incident.
Only Matthews and Farao applied for bail.
All five will remain in custody while the case has been postponed to 19 September for further investigation.
Broader concerns
The case has once again placed a spotlight on security concerns in South Africa’s justice system, with critics calling for urgent reforms to prevent weapons from entering court premises and to curb the influence of organised crime networks within public institutions.
The Department of Justice is yet to issue a statement on enhanced safety measures at court facilities.
Will there ever be peace in the taxi industry in South Africa?
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