By Everson Luhanga
- Five people were shot inside Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.
- Two people died and police are still investigating what led to the shooting.
Two people have died after a shooting inside Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Five people were shot during the incident. Authorities have confirmed that two of the victims died. No further details about the victims have been released.
The shooting happened inside the court building at the corner of Rifle Range Road and Amanda Avenue in Booysens.
People visiting the court ran for safety when gunfire broke out on Tuesday afternoon. The situation was still active when officials first spoke to the media.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili says five people were shot at the main entrance of Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning. Two people died at the scene and three were taken to hospital. She says the group was at court to support an accused in a murder and attempted murder case, and one of the injured is the accused’s lawyer.
Preliminary findings show three men wearing caps opened fire before fleeing in a suspected cloned white Audi. The motive is still unknown and police investigations are ongoing.
Law enforcement agencies and emergency services rushed to the scene. Members of the public were warned to stay away from the area to allow emergency workers to do their jobs.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development says it learned of the shooting with serious concern. The ministry says it is waiting for verified information from police and court management.
Deputy justice minister Andries Nel is expected to visit the scene to assess the situation.
The ministry says it condemns the shooting. It says it will work with security and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of court staff and people using the courts.
No motive for the shooting has been shared. Authorities say updates will be provided once more information is confirmed.
Pictured above: Booysens Magistrate’s Court.
Image source: The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
