‘My family is shaken’: Julius Mkhwanazi speaks out after lawyer is shot outside Booysens court

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi has broken his silence on the deadly shooting outside Booysens Magistrate’s Court, revealing that one of the victims was his own lawyer a moment he says has shaken his family and left him fearing for his life.

Mkhwanazi was testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday when he disclosed that his attorney, who had been assisting him with matters linked to the Madlanga Commission, was shot while leaving court on Wednesday.

‘I can’t even leave my house’

In emotional testimony, Mkhwanazi told MPs that the attack had deeply unsettled his household.

“My family, my kids this thing has disturbed them,” he said, adding that the incident has left him effectively confined to his home.

He said the shooting had intensified the public perception of him as a “killer police,” a label he insists is unfair and dangerous given the current climate.

Deadly ambush outside court

The shooting unfolded outside Booysens Court in Johannesburg as people exited the building. Police confirmed that three gunmen wearing caps opened fire on a group, killing two people at the scene and injuring three others.

Mkhwanazi’s attorney was among those wounded and was rushed to hospital. An investigation is underway, but police have not confirmed a motive.

There are, however, unconfirmed reports suggesting the lawyer may have been targeted following a consultation earlier that day involving an alleged gangster a claim authorities have yet to verify.

A city on edge after ‘Witness D’ killing

The attack comes against a backdrop of heightened tension following the killing of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D,” on 5 December 2025.

Van der Merwe had previously testified before the Madlanga Commission, alleging that senior EMPD officials instructed him to dispose of a murder victim’s body. He was reportedly preparing to reveal alleged state involvement in illegal mining just hours before he was shot dead.

The timing of the Booysens shooting has reignited public anxiety around witness safety and the risks faced by those linked to sensitive investigations.

Mkhwanazi denies links and wrongdoing

During his testimony, Mkhwanazi denied knowing Van der Merwe, stating plainly: “I do not know Witness D, and he does not know me.”

He confirmed that he had visited the crime scene on the morning Van der Merwe was killed but insisted he had no involvement in the murder.

Mkhwanazi also rejected allegations that he fitted blue lights to vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who is reportedly under investigation, distancing himself from any improper conduct.

Growing concern for legal and witness safety

The Booysens court shooting has sparked widespread concern among legal professionals and civil society groups. On social media, lawyers and activists warned that attacks in and around courts threaten the foundations of the justice system itself.

For many South Africans, the incident underscores a troubling reality: courts, once seen as safe spaces, are increasingly becoming flashpoints in high-stakes criminal cases.

As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to restore confidence, not just in court security, but in the ability of the justice system to protect those brave enough to participate in it.

{Source: IOL}

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