Wynberg Magistrate’s Court shooting sparks fresh calls for improved security at courts

Legal commentators have raised concern over security lapses at the country’s courts following the killing of a man at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court this week.

South Africans were left in utter disbelief after posts of the heinous crime went viral on social media, showing the slumped body of the victim in a bench outside a courtroom.

According to reports, an unkown person managed to enter the court building with a gun and shot a murder suspect.

The deceased is understood to have been a taxi owner who was linked to an extortion case in Muizenberg.

According to reports, the metal detectors and security cameras at the court were not working at the time of the incident.

The head of the Judges Matter campaign, Alison Tilley, says security at state buildings needs to be strengthened as any laxity leaves magistrates, attorneys and the public at risk.

 

In May 2023, a Christine Gumira was shot and killed as she was leaving the same court. She was involved in a murder case that was being heard in the same court when her life was cut short.

Policing and security expert, Professor Jacob Mofokeng, says its concerning that crimes like these are happening in the country.

He is urging government to beef up security at courts, saying such brazen criminality can deter people from becoming witnesses in cases due to fear.

Professor Mofokeng believes better technology could help curb such incidents.

 

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has slammed the incident as a blatant disregard for the law.

ATM spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, alleges that security breaches happen daily in the country and something about the matter needs to be done, urgently.

Some South Africans have also expressed worry about the security issue in the country.

They shot another witness less than two years ago just outside Wynberg Magistrate Court.

— Hebert Banhire (@hbanhire) April 9, 2025

I visited Wynberg Magistrate Court multiple times a few years ago, and unless there is corruption on the criminal permit of access, you cannot pass the security guard at the gate with a pistol. I pray that God would keep the witnesses safe.

— Ben M. Junior???????????? (@FredJuniorMUHIR) April 8, 2025

Wynberg court is just next to Wynberg police station and yet its a playground for criminals, secondly the incident happened on the seventh floor of the court building, how they managed to get a firearm inside ,passing through the securities we don’t know.

— Theo Welile (@WellyNkhata) April 8, 2025

Terrible things are happening in the Wynberg Magistrate Court ??

— Duke of Middledrift (@Umntakwenda) April 8, 2025

Wynberg Court is a war zone!

— Pro Jileka (@MVProJileka) April 8, 2025

Courts fall under the department of Justice, chief. That’s a national department (not a provincial). I don’t think you know that the Wynberg Police Station is next to the Court. Like neighbors. Both the 2 institutions are controlled by ANC

— Sbu Ndebele (@ButiD22344) April 8, 2025