A deadly shooting outside the Booysens Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg has prompted calls for an urgent review of security measures at judicial facilities. Two people were killed and three injured when gunmen targeted a group attending court. Deputy Minister Andries Nel emphasized the need to strengthen policing around courts.
The incident occurred earlier on January 20, 2026, outside the Booysens Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg, where gunmen opened fire on a group of people attending court proceedings. Reports indicate that two individuals were fatally shot, including what appears to be a lawyer and two clients, while three others sustained injuries.
Deputy Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Andries Nel expressed grave concerns over the safety of judicial facilities following the attack. He highlighted the proximity of the shooting to court operations as a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Nel stated that discussions are already underway with police management to enhance visible policing and other security protocols outside courts.
In his comments, Nel said: “The fact that this incident took place outside and in close proximity to the operations of the court would need to reassess and strengthen visible policing and other security measures outside of the court. We have already raised that with the station commander. It is also a conversation we are having with the Minister of Police to strengthen policing.”
This event underscores ongoing challenges to security at South Africa's courts, prompting a push for reassessment to prevent future incidents. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, which took place in broad daylight near a key judicial site.
