Court security under scrutiny again after deadly Booysens shooting

The deadly shooting outside the Booysens Magistrates’ Court has once again placed court security under intense scrutiny.

Two people were shot and killed, and three others were injured – including a lawyer – when gunmen opened fire outside the court premises on Tuesday. The attackers allegedly fled the scene in a white Audi with cloned number plates.

The victims are believed to have been at court in support of an accused facing murder and attempted murder charges linked to an April 2025 incident in Mondeor.

Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects.

The EFF in Gauteng says the brazen attack reflects a dangerous erosion of respect for law and order in the country.

The party’s provincial chairperson, Nkuleleko Dunga, has described the shooting as a direct assault on the criminal justice system.

“The sanctity of our courts and the rule of law, which demands a direct and decisive response from the South African Police Services,” Dunga said. “This incident is an indication of emboldened criminality that has no regard for institutions meant to uphold justice and democracy in our society.”

Dunga added that a clear message must be sent to criminals that courts are not a playground for criminals, and that intimidation of investigators, lawyers and witnesses will not be tolerated.

EFF Gauteng Condemns in the Strongest Terms the Shooting Incident at Booysens Magistrates Court Earlier Today. This Barbaric Act has taken the lives of Two(2) People and left Three(3) others Injured. pic.twitter.com/RnEfxgI2Yy

— EFF Gauteng (@EFFGautengProv) January 20, 2026

Activists and Citizens Forum joined calls for the beefing up of security at courts, saying such incidents are a threat to the South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

The organisation’s, Dennis Bloem, says if left unchecked, similar violence could spread nationwide.

“When criminals are so brazen, eliminating complaints, witnesses and lawyers, we must ask the question of how safe are our Judges, Magistrates and Prosecutors?” Bloem questioned. “Law enforcement agencies must take control of court premises and ensure the safety of the judicial officials, lawyers and the public.”

Meanwhile, Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety chairperson, Dr Bandile Masuku, has called for the security company contracted at the court to be held accountable.

“Such a grave lapse raises urgent questions about security protocols and the performance of the contracted private security company responsible for safeguarding the premises,” Masuku said. “These failures are not minor oversights; they are costly, and in this case, they have cost lives.”

Masuku reiterated the committee’s long-standing concern about the proliferation of illegal firearms in Gauteng.

“The ease with which firearms are accessed and used to commit violent crimes strengthens our call for decisive, coordinated action toward achieving a gun-free Gauteng, supported by stronger intelligence-led policing and tighter firearm controls,” Masuku added.

The shooting comes amid growing concern over court safety, following the killing of a state witness inside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court in Cape Town in April last year.