Lawyer killed outside CCMA in Johannesburg
Chinette Gallichan was actively practising in the labour litigation department for Sibanye-Stillwater at the time of her death.
Image: Supplied
Chinette Gallichan, a 35-year-old attorney from Krugersdorp, was shot and killed on Monday morning outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices at the corner of Fox and Joubert streets in Johannesburg’s CBD.
The shooting took place at approximately 9:00 am as Gallichan arrived for a scheduled hearing. Witnesses reported that she had just stepped out of her vehicle when an assailant approached and opened fire at close range.
The suspect fled the scene on foot before entering a waiting vehicle and escaping.
Colleagues have expressed shock and sadness following her death. Fellow attorney Jacobus Myburgh said Gallichan had been practising in the labour litigation department at Sibanye-Stillwater at the time.
She is believed to have been involved in a labour dispute concerning workers who had allegedly been retrenched and were seeking compensation.
Early indications from the scene suggest the attack may have been targeted, as none of her belongings were taken.
Gallichan obtained her LLB from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and later completed a postgraduate diploma in labour law with distinction at the University of Johannesburg.
In a post on social media, Myburgh described her as a familiar presence in both legal and athletic circles, particularly at the CCMA, where she regularly handled cases related to unpaid wages and unfair dismissal.
Police have opened a murder case, and investigations are ongoing.