The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Tuesday expressed concern about the shooting incident outside the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in the south of Johannesburg, and wants the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly adhered to and fully implemented at all courts.

Committee chairperson Xola Nqola said safety and security in and around court facilities must be treated as an absolute priority.

“Safety in and at our courts is non-negotiable. No member of the public or any official should ever fear accessing justice in our country,” he said.

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed the incident at the Booysens Magistrate's Court, which involved the shooting of five people, with two fatalities.

Spokesperson for the Department Samuel Modipane said the incident was still active, and law enforcement agencies were attending to the situation.

Nqola noted that during the previous oversight visits, the committee raised concerns regarding security shortcomings at some court facilities, including non-functioning security scanners at court entrances.

The committee extended its condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

“While we strongly condemn this senseless act of violence, we call on all law enforcement agencies to work together to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to safeguard court users and personnel. We also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” Nqola said.

Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel is expected at the scene to assess the situation, while the Ministry awaits further details from law enforcement agencies and court management.

The Ministry condemned the incident, and said it would work with the relevant security and law enforcement authorities to ensure that all necessary measures were implemented to safeguard court users and personnel.