Security at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court has come under scrutiny following a shocking shooting incident that occurred shortly before 11 am on the building’s fourth floor. The attack, described by authorities as brazen, resulted in the death of a man who was reportedly shot three times in the head.
Western Cape spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila, dispelled earlier speculation that the victim was a witness. Instead, Ntabazalila clarified that the deceased was an accused individual who had been present at the court earlier that day.
“The NPA has just been advised that the deceased who passed away following an alleged shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court building was an accused who appeared at Court D,”
said Ntabazalila.
Following this startling revelation, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development expressed profound shock and concern over the violent episode. Committee Chairperson Xola Nqola strongly condemned the incident, criticising the boldness of criminals who seemingly operate without fear, even within judicial premises.
“I struggle to comprehend how these criminals can take a court and turn it into a murder scene. This is a brazen attack where criminals fear no one. It is totally unacceptable,”
said Nqola.
Eyewitnesses and court officials remain alarmed at the apparent security breach, prompting urgent questions about safety measures at court facilities nationwide. Investigations are now intensifying around how the assailants successfully bypassed existing security protocols with firearms.
“What is more worrying is the fact that these brutal attackers walked into a court building whilst armed when they shot the victim in the lobby. The question now is, how did they manage to enter the building with firearms without being detected?”
Nqola questioned.
Nqola further emphasised that the Committee intends to conduct a comprehensive review of security arrangements across all South African courts. This review aims to protect judges, magistrates, advocates, lawyers, and members of the public, whose safety is now significantly under threat given the recent escalation in violent crime.
Meanwhile, details about the victim have begun to emerge, highlighting his alleged connection to gang violence in Cape Town’s southern suburbs. Sources close to the investigation claim that the victim, who originated from Vrygrond near Muizenberg, was linked to the notorious Junky Funky Kidz (JFK) gang.
Furthermore, the deceased had reportedly survived multiple previous assassination attempts, indicating an ongoing threat to his life. Police investigations have connected his gang affiliation to the ongoing violent conflict between taxi drivers and members of the JFK gang in the Vrygrond area.
The deceased had also previously been identified as a person of interest in another high-profile gang-related murder case. Investigators confirmed his suspected involvement in the killing of Ashley “Essie” Phillips, a prominent gang leader who was assassinated earlier this year. Phillips, aged 42 at the time of his death, was notably recognised as the leader of the JFK gang. He was shot and killed in January outside the Brackenfell Police Station, where he had been reporting regularly in compliance with his bail conditions.
Given the connection between these events, detectives are now exploring possible retaliation as a motive for the latest shooting. The link between these incidents underscores the deeply entrenched gang violence plaguing parts of Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region, highlighting concerns over security provisions at critical state institutions.
Authorities have indicated that further statements will be provided as the investigation continues, ensuring that public safety and judicial integrity remain the foremost priorities.
