By Lebone Mosima
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel on Monday met with staff at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court to hear their concerns and provide an update on forthcoming security measures.
He reassured employees that they should not be deterred by recent violent incidents.
Nel, accompanied by Western Cape Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana, visited the court following Friday’s deadly gang-related shooting at its entrance.
The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks targeting courts in and around the City of Cape Town.
In recent months, a man was gunned down and another injured outside the Mitchell’s Plain court, a man was shot dead inside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court in April, and on Monday a suspect was arrested for attempting to smuggle a firearm into Wynberg court.
Nel said the visit formed part of broader efforts to enhance safety and accessibility at courts.
“We want to assure the public and court officials that government and the judiciary are united in keeping courts safe so people can exercise their constitutional rights,” Nel said.
He added that government was working closely with the judiciary following a new model that places court administration under judicial management.
Mabindla-Boqwana, who previously engaged staff after a shooting at Mitchell’s Plain court, stressed the gravity of the situation.
“These attacks are frequent, and they are attacks against our democracy and the administration of justice,” she said.
“We must work collaboratively on an integrated plan to confront what is becoming a scourge.”
Nel also highlighted recent interventions, including the deployment of metal detectors at Wynberg court, which successfully intercepted a firearm.
He said he would convene a meeting with the acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, Mabindla-Boqwana, and other stakeholders next week to strengthen coordination between Justice, the Judiciary, Police, and Public Works to ensure safer court infrastructure.
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