A normal day at court descended into chaos after a horrific shooting outside the Booysens Magistrate’s Court left two people dead and three others injured.

Southern Courier reports that on Tuesday, the newspaper received a call about an active crime scene at the court.

“People were shot outside the Booysens court, and somebody has been killed,” the caller said.

Case linked to shooting

At the time, Southern Courier journalist Shirvaan Pather was attending a court case that was later linked to the shooting.

The case involves the murder of an 18-year-old at Ballbreakers, a pool hall in Mondeor, on April 5, 2025.

The accused, also a minor and facing a murder charge after the victim was fatally stabbed at the pool hall, appeared in court on the day. Pather recalled the ordeal.

“The case was moved from Court 1 to Court 6 as the prosecution and magistrate had been changed in the case.

“The murder trial was supposed to begin on Tuesday, but because the case was transferred to Court 6, Magistrate Vele requested that the pre-trial conference be reconvened so the magistrate could be updated on the facts of the case. The magistrate then postponed the case for a pre-trial conference to be held.

“Once the case concluded, I walked out with the mother of the victim, but she went ahead and exited the court before me. Among those leaving the court were the accused and his family.”

Gunfire erupts outside court

As he was exiting the court, he heard gunshots outside. The shots seemed to be far away, but in a short time, a gunman appeared wearing a mask and opened fire in their direction.

“The accused’s father, who had left the court before us, had already been shot. I saw the gunmen walk back to shoot him again after he had fallen on the steps in front of the court. Another gunman fired shots at the accused’s mother, who was two meters in front of me; she was hit in her foot and her leg.

“She managed to come back into the court while trying to escape a barrage of gunfire. This all happened within two minutes.”

Humanity amid the chaos

Amid the chaos, Pather recalled a moment where humanity shone through.

“The victim’s mother then assisted the accused’s mother. The woman whose son was murdered was helping the mother of the accused.”

Locked inside court

When asked about his thinking during the incident, Pather said: “As I wanted to exit the court to assist those who seemed to be shot, I was grabbed by court security and pulled back into court as the security locked us all inside the court.”

He said he wanted to help in some way, but was advised to stay in the court. Pather said before he could use his phone to contact his family and editor to assure them that he was safe, his phone was confiscated as court security stated that he was not allowed to take photos.

“I was then locked in the court until I explained to court security that I am a journalist and I’m not directly involved in the incident.

“The warrant officer then allowed me to exit the court, stating I still cannot take pictures or try to speak to any law enforcement that might have had information on the shooting.

“I now also question my safety as a court reporter, as being in a court has become hazardous. I am aware that security has since been increased.”

Justice department response

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel said the incident prompted an urgent review of security around the court, including parking areas and external points.

He said discussions are underway between justice and police authorities to strengthen visible policing at the court.

Condolences

In conclusion, Pather said: “Nevertheless, I am grateful to have not been injured or worse. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the two people who died in this horrific attack.”

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