Shock at Booysens as deadly shooting leaves court users reeling

A routine Tuesday at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court turned into a frightening and chaotic afternoon when gunfire erupted inside the busy Johannesburg building, leaving two people dead and three others injured. For many court users, the day started like any other, with queues stretching outside and the usual weekday hum. Within minutes, that sense of normalcy had vanished.

A sudden burst of violence

Details remain limited, but authorities confirmed that five people were shot in the incident. Two died on the scene, while three were rushed to hospital with injuries. Police cordoned off the area almost immediately, redirecting terrified witnesses and staff while investigators tried to piece together what had happened inside one of the city’s busiest magistrates’ courts.

For those familiar with the Booysens precinct, the shooting felt like yet another reminder of how brazen crime in Johannesburg can be. Court buildings are supposed to be safe neutral grounds, where justice is argued, not where violence continues.

Government response and rising concern

The Ministry of Justice expressed deep concern shortly after news broke, calling the situation “ongoing” and confirming that law enforcement was still securing the court at the time.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel is expected to visit the scene personally. According to spokesperson Samuel Modipane, the department is awaiting verified information from police and court management before providing a full update.

Modipane also emphasised that the department would work closely with security and law enforcement officials to strengthen safety measures for court staff and the public. The incident is expected to spark renewed debate about security in South African courts, especially in high-crime urban centres.

A city searching for answers

Booysens is no stranger to heavy foot traffic, high-profile cases and security challenges. Yet this shooting has raised fresh questions about the ability of state institutions to protect citizens in spaces meant to uphold justice.

For now, families of the victims wait for more information, officials continue their investigation and South Africans grapple with the unsettling reality that not even a courthouse is immune from violence.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more details emerge.

{Source:The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com