The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the fatal shooting outside the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The incident claimed the lives of at least two people while three others were left injured.
The committee called for accountability from security officials that were present at the court.
“The committee is deeply disturbed that armed suspects were able to approach and unleash gunfire at the entrance of a magistrate’s court, a national key point and a legally designated gun-free zone.
“Such a grave lapse raises urgent questions about security protocols and the performance of the contracted private security company responsible for safeguarding the premises.
“These failures are not minor oversights, they are costly and, in this case, they have cost lives. The committee insists that the security company be held fully accountable for its role in this breach,” a committee said in a statement.
This is the latest in several incidents at judicial facilities, with similar incidents occurring at the Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wynberg Magistrate’s Courts in the Western Cape and another incident at Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal – all in the span of last year.
“This reckless act of violence represents a direct attack on the rule of law and public safety, demonstrating a growing boldness among criminals who show no regard for human life or the authority of state institutions.
“The incident also reinforces 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,” said the committee.
Law enforcement is called upon to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended.
“Those who terrorise communities and undermine the justice system must learn that the law will prevail.
“The committee further urges members of the public with any information that may assist in the investigation to come forward. Community cooperation remains essential in the fight against violent crime.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured in this senseless attack,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
