Spate of court shootings demoralises workers, spooks communities: WC top judge

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Judge President said the recent spate of court shootings in Cape Town have demoralised workers and left communities spooked.

Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana and other officials met with Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel on Monday, to discuss attacks at court precincts in Cape Town.

On Friday, a man was shot dead at the entrance to the Athlone Magistrates Court, two weeks ago another man was shot and killed in front of the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court and in April, there was a fatal shooting in the corridors of the Wynberg Magistrates Court.

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Judge Mabindla-Boqwana described recent court shootings as a scourge that has brought trauma for court workers and residents of surrounding communities.

She added that cases have also been delayed due to disruptions caused by the attacks.

"And obviously, the psychological impact it has on everyone, the magistrates, the prosecutors, legal representatives, communities and vulnerable people that come in and out of the courts."

Judge Mabindla-Boqwana noted that security will be beefed inside and outside the court buildings to ensure public safety.