The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the shooting that took place outside the Booysens Magistrates’ Court today, which left two people dead and three others injured.
This attack is yet another alarming incident in a growing pattern of violent crimes occurring in and around court precincts across South Africa, spaces that should be among the most secure in the country.
The DA extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
We call on the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to account to Parliament on what concrete measures her department is implementing to ensure the safety of court users, officials, and the public. South Africans cannot be expected to access justice when even the immediate vicinity of court buildings is unsafe.
If this culture of lawlessness, of total disregard for human life is allowed to become entrenched, we will find ourselves in complete anarchy where the man with the largest gun calls the shots. An unthinkable situation, which simply must be avoided.
Urgent answers and decisive action are required. Now.