Female gun smuggler busted at Wynberg Court as Justice Minister beefs up security nationwide

A female gun smuggler has been arrested at the Wynberg Magistrates' Court armed with ammunition and tested their newly improved metal detection by being caught.

This Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed while addressing the National Assembly this week, as she responded to questions on access to justice, prosecutor protection, GBVF, and court security.

Kubayi's oversight visits to courts nationwide identified challenges like infrastructure, security, and staffing, alongside positives such as efficient Small Claims Courts. Interventions include infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security, staff recruitment, and ICT support.

“I am grateful for the observations made during the course of the visits. The men and women who wake up daily to ensure that access to the courts and access to justice is a lived experience for the millions of South Africans,” she said.

“These visits identified several court-specific challenges and positives that impact service delivery and the efficient functioning of courts.”

She said her department was implementing security improvements at Wynberg Magistrate Court and that the metal detector was fully operational, leading to the arrest of a female gun smuggler.

"It is evident that the installed walk-through metal detectors are effective, following the incident of  September 8 , whereby a woman was caught smuggling a firearm into the court room, with two full loaded magazines, and the woman was arrested on the spot,' she explained.

Measures include two walk-through metal detectors, three additional guards, 61 new security gates, a resuscitated Court Security Committee, 21 new court orderlies, unannounced inspections, rotation of security personnel, and two interns for CCTV monitoring.

This follows the death of murder-accused, Dingalomoyo Chintso who was shot dead inside the premises following a court appearance in April and several arrests were made thereafter.

“Given budget constraints, the Department has developed a phased-in approach to focus on high profile risk areas with deployment of integrated security interventions,” she added.

Kubayi also condemned the killings of five prosecutors over five years, including Advocates Vukile Gontana, Sonwabo Booi, Ntsikelelo McAllister, Elona Sombulula, Tracy Brown, and  Aaron Raletjena. Brown's alleged hit was ordered by an inmate. The NPA unveiled a wall of remembrance in May 2023.

She urged the urged media to protect prosecutor identities during televised proceedings. Her office said despite interventions, GBVF remains a concern and that they sought a legal opinion on publishing the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), concluding that legislative amendments are needed for public access due to constitutional limitations. 

An amendment bill is being drafted and will undergo consultations.

 The department will prioritize providing access to institutions working with vulnerable groups and create more capacity in the Registrar’s office she said.

Deputy Minister, Andries Nel also carried out a recent visit to the Athlone Magistrates’ Court following a shooting at the courthouse and said they were committed to modernising safety systems.

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