By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Reports suggest the fatal shooting of labour lawyer Chinette Gallichan outside the CCMA offices in central Johannesburg on Monday may have been a targeted hit.
Police are searching for two suspects, and no belongings were reported stolen from the woman.
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Police are yet to attribute motive to the murder.
Gallichan, 35, worked for mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater’s legal team and had arrived for a labour matter when she was gunned down.
The shooting happened at about 9am near the corner of Fox and Joubert streets in the Johannesburg CBD, close to the CCMA offices.
Gallichan, from Krugersdorp, was shot at close range while making her way to the CCMA.
According to eyewitness accounts, a male suspect approached Gallichan as she got out of her vehicle, shot her, and fled, apparently linking up with a getaway vehicle.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Tuesday condemned the killing.
Ministry spokesperson Terrence Manase said police had launched an investigation, “and no arrests have been made at this stage”.
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He said Kubayi had reiterated that violence could never be accepted as a means of resolving disputes.
“We urge all individuals and parties to reject violence and trust in legal processes and institutions,” Kubayi said.
“An attack of this nature undermines the rule of law and threatens the very foundation of our constitutional democracy.
“Legal practitioners play a critical role in ensuring access to justice, and their safety must be safeguarded at all times.”