Court Security under scrutiny after deadly Cape Town shootings

CAPE TOWN - Beefing up security inside and outside Cape Town’s local courts has been identified as a top priority to safeguard the public, following a series of deadly shootings at several court buildings across the city.

Three people, including alleged gangsters, have been shot and killed in separate attacks at the Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wynberg courts.

Western Cape Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana and Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel visited the Athlone Magistrates Court today, in the wake of a deadly gang-related shooting there on Friday.

Judge President Mabindla-Boqwana said the violence has damaged staff morale and disrupted operations.

“They induce fear that people are scared of coming to testify in courts. Secondly, the time it takes for matters to be heard because courts have to be put on lockdown and that delays cases from being heard.”

Deputy Minister Nel added that urgent interventions are underway.

“We don't have to wait to work smarter to ensure that the police are here in greater numbers, we don't have to wait to make greater use of technology.”

Police have confirmed several arrests linked to the shootings at the Mitchells Plain and Wynberg courts.