Justice Minister Kubayi calls for swift investigation into killing of Joburg lawyer

JOHANNESBURG - Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for a swift investigation into the killing of Johannesburg lawyer, Bouwer van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk, who was an insolvency attorney, was shot at his law firm’s boardroom on Friday morning, in Saxonwold, by two unknown assailants.

The SA Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association has since condemned this attack and others targeted at legal professionals. 

In a statement, Kubayi said she appreciated the investigation launched into the brutal assassination of Van Niekerk, calling for the perpetrators to be dealt with swiftly.

Spokesperson Terrence Manase: "This comes shortly after the department reported the fatal shooting of a male accused outside the Athlone Magistrate's Court in Cape Town on the same day. The man, who was due to appear on assault charges, was shot before his court appearance. The minister strongly condemns these senseless acts of violence, particularly against members of the legal profession and urges anyone with any information to come forward to assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice."

Kubayi said the arrest of those behind both killings would restore faith in the country’s laws and law enforcement officers.

While condemning the violent acts, the minister has called for anyone with information to come forward and assist police in their investigation.