IN CONVERSATION WITH THEMBA Mabunda ActionSA regional chairperson
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ActionSA’s Johannesburg branch has voiced deep concern following a deadly shooting at the Booysens Magistrates’ Court, where two people were killed and several others injured. The party describes the incident as an assault on judicial independence and a stark threat to the rule of law.
Speaking on behalf of ActionSA, Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Themba Mabunda said the attack exposed serious shortcomings in the security of judicial facilities. “Courthouses should be sanctuaries where justice is administered without fear or intimidation. The fact that such violence can occur within these spaces highlights alarming weaknesses in security infrastructure and governmental oversight,” Mabunda said.
Although the National Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is constitutionally responsible for court operations and safety measures, Mabunda emphasized the local impact: “Magistrates’ courts serve thousands of residents, witnesses, and legal professionals daily. Protecting these individuals must be a priority, not a matter of bureaucratic finger-pointing.”
The party highlighted long-standing deficiencies in courtroom protection, including inadequate monitoring at entry points, insufficient perimeter security, limited detection technology, and weak coordination with the South African Police Service. ActionSA warned that the failure to address these vulnerabilities risks eroding public trust and emboldening criminal elements.
In response to the tragedy, ActionSA Johannesburg is demanding that the Minister of Justice provide a public explanation of security measures at magistrates’ courts across Gauteng, with specific attention to Booysens. The party is calling for concrete action plans, clear accountability for failures, and implementation timelines to prevent similar incidents.
Mabunda also urged enhanced collaboration between the Department of Justice, SAPS, and relevant safety authorities to secure court premises and surrounding areas. “Security cannot end at courthouse entrances. Many incidents occur as people approach or leave judicial facilities, and protective strategies must reflect these real-world risks,” he said.
ActionSA Johannesburg confirmed it will continue monitoring the situation closely, engaging with government counterparts to demand immediate intervention and regular updates, while ensuring that the concerns of court users, staff, and the public are formally addressed.
“We extend our condolences to the families affected and all those traumatised by this incident. The state has a responsibility to provide support to victims, court personnel, and witnesses operating under precarious conditions. South Africa must not normalize violence in our courts. Restoring safety requires national leadership, inter-agency coordination, and accountability—principles for which ActionSA Johannesburg will continue advocating,” Mabunda concluded.
Speaking on behalf of ActionSA, Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Themba Mabunda said the attack exposed serious shortcomings in the security of judicial facilities. “Courthouses should be sanctuaries where justice is administered without fear or intimidation. The fact that such violence can occur within these spaces highlights alarming weaknesses in security infrastructure and governmental oversight,” Mabunda said.
Although the National Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is constitutionally responsible for court operations and safety measures, Mabunda emphasized the local impact: “Magistrates’ courts serve thousands of residents, witnesses, and legal professionals daily. Protecting these individuals must be a priority, not a matter of bureaucratic finger-pointing.”
The party highlighted long-standing deficiencies in courtroom protection, including inadequate monitoring at entry points, insufficient perimeter security, limited detection technology, and weak coordination with the South African Police Service. ActionSA warned that the failure to address these vulnerabilities risks eroding public trust and emboldening criminal elements.
In response to the tragedy, ActionSA Johannesburg is demanding that the Minister of Justice provide a public explanation of security measures at magistrates’ courts across Gauteng, with specific attention to Booysens. The party is calling for concrete action plans, clear accountability for failures, and implementation timelines to prevent similar incidents.
Mabunda also urged enhanced collaboration between the Department of Justice, SAPS, and relevant safety authorities to secure court premises and surrounding areas. “Security cannot end at courthouse entrances. Many incidents occur as people approach or leave judicial facilities, and protective strategies must reflect these real-world risks,” he said.
ActionSA Johannesburg confirmed it will continue monitoring the situation closely, engaging with government counterparts to demand immediate intervention and regular updates, while ensuring that the concerns of court users, staff, and the public are formally addressed.
“We extend our condolences to the families affected and all those traumatised by this incident. The state has a responsibility to provide support to victims, court personnel, and witnesses operating under precarious conditions. South Africa must not normalize violence in our courts. Restoring safety requires national leadership, inter-agency coordination, and accountability—principles for which ActionSA Johannesburg will continue advocating,” Mabunda concluded.
