No accountability for security failures at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court

Three months after the shooting of a murder-accused within the premises of Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has yet to hold any officials accountable for the glaring security failures that allowed this incident to occur.

The shocking event unfolded on April 8, when armed men brazenly entered the court, leading to the violent death of Dingalomoyo Chintso. This act of aggression has sparked serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures in place at courts, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that no disciplinary action has been taken against officials responsible for the administrative collapse at the court building.

“The department is working closely with the SAPS to establish how the security breach occurs at the court building, to conclusively ascertain gaps or negligence so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. Upon conclusion of the investigation, consequence management will be undertaken,” Kubayi said.

She made the comments when she was responding to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Rebecca Mohlala, when she enquired about immediate disciplinary and/or remedial actions for the administrative collapse that resulted in Chintso being shot and killed inside the court building.

Kubayi said following the incident, a security risk profile was concluded and a new security intervention plan was put in place.

“A prioritisation plan was put in place to replace faulty X-ray machine (April 2025), with a functional X-ray to improve the searching procedures at the access control point of the court.   

“Security engagement was held with service provider to discuss improvement and tougher and strict measures in averting smuggling of any illegal weapon inside the court precinct.”

She also said the situation was being tightly monitored and other high-risk courts are being attended to.

Last month, Kubayi outlined a wide-range of measures introduced to beef up security at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.

This came after the department directed the installation of a security scanner, tightening of access control to prosecutors’ and magistrates’ office, and enhance vetting of court officials after the fatal incident.

The minister previously said a scanner has been loaned from the Director of Public Prosecution’s office for use until August while finalising the procurement processes.

“Procurement of a new multi-purpose scanner - detecting metal, copper, drugs, steel, and plastic - is under way for the front entrance. A basic scanner (is going) to be installed at the judiciary’s back entrance,” she said at the time.

Asked by Mohlala about the reasons her department failed in some cases to maintain functional X-ray machines, Kubayi said the department has 730 courts nationally.

Some have electronic security infrastructure, which is over 10 to 15 years old and often faulty and non-functional as well as X-ray machines and metal detectors.

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