Parliament, Friday, 5 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has noted with grave concern reports of a fatal shooting incident outside the Athlone Magistrates Court in Cape Town.
Mr Nqola said it is extremely concerning that criminals are becoming more and more brazen, committing crimes without a care in and around court buildings.
He was responding to reports that a man was gunned down while entering the Athlone court building this morning. Last month, a 24-year-old man was shot dead, and another was injured outside the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court. In April, this year a man who was waiting in the corridors of the Wynberg Magistrates court was shot dead.
“These incidents seem to be on the increase, especially in the Western Cape. The authorities need to re-look at the security measures currently used to secure our court precincts. We need to ensure the safety of officials, presiding officers and the public at large,” emphasised the Chairperson.
Mr Nqola said although the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is not directly responsible for the safety and security at court buildings, as it is a joint responsibility with the South African Police Services and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the committee will raise the matter sharply to see what inter-departmental plans are in place to secure courts.
“The committee would like to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. We further call on the public to assist authorities in making our communities safe again by speaking out against criminal activities,” said Mr Nqola.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MR XOLA NQOLA.
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