Judges Matter welcomes arrests & convictions of court shooters in Cape Town
Last week, three men were convicted of killing a woman outside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court in Cape Town more than two years ago.
Outside the Wynberg Magistrates Court in Cape Town. Picture: Mary-Anne Gontsana/GroundUp
CAPE TOWN - Judiciary monitoring group Judges Matter has welcomed the arrests and convictions of some people who were caught for firing shots in and around court buildings in South Africa.
Last week, three men were convicted of killing a woman outside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court in Cape Town more than two years ago.
The Western Cape High Court will hand down sentences to Mandisi Mofu, Lukhanyo Mene, and Vuminkosi Vumani on Thursday.
The 2023 fatal shooting of Christine Gumira as she walked out of the court building is not the only incident to happen there.
Earlier this year, a man was shot and killed inside the same court building and five people are currently behind bars for that shooting.
Research and advocacy officer at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin, said the arrests and convictions were important for accountability and to instil faith in the public that they can be safe within the court premises.
"It's a concern to hear that there have been attacks on the premises of court buildings and courtrooms and we call for the Department of Justice, working together with the South African Police Service, to do much more to ensure the security of court officials and other people who use court buildings."
He added that it was important to see action being taken against perpetrators.