The Department of Justice’s Constitutional Development Office (DJCOD) ordered security to be strengthened at Winburg Magistrates’ Court in Cape Town after a fatal shooting inside a court building earlier this week.
A high-level delegation led by the DJCOD Director, upheld Doc Mashabane and made a supervisory visit to the court on Thursday.
The delegation included the executive director of the Supreme Court Justice Office (OCJ) and the advocates Murrayed Podge and the deputy director of the Western Cape Commander Prosecutor.
“The purpose of the visit was to review the circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether security lapses occurred. The intervention formed part of the government’s response with the aim of reviewing and strengthening security protocols at court facilities,” the statement said.
As part of the immediate intervention, the Director directed the establishment of security scanners, tightening access controls to the offices of prosecutors and magistrates, and an enhanced review of court officials.
Additionally, a report on the case will be prepared and submitted to DJCOD Ministers Mmamoloko Kubayi and Supreme Court Justice Mandisa Maya.
“The department reiterates its commitment to ensure that the court maintains its place for the distribution of justice, not where the crime is committed,” the department said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Justice Office (OCJ) said it was looking at the case in “serious light.”
“The development of the judiciary and constitutional law, which reduces the safety of the courts, is engaged in strengthening the security of and surrounding court precincts.
“As the state’s attorney general, the judges of the Western Cape Division of the High Court want to convey the sadness of the deceased’s family and express their regret and support to the judicial officers, officials and the public who witnessed the incident,” the OCJ said.
The incident is currently under investigation by police.
