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The third suspect, who is the second gunman is still on the run.
A general view outside Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 16 January 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Theo Jeptha
A second suspect has been identified in connection with the fatal shooting at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court earlier this month.
The police are still conducting a manhunt for a third suspect, who is also believed to be a gunman, still at large.
Abubaker Adams, 24, was identified as the second suspect in the case. He appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Adams faces murder charges for his alleged role in the 5 April shooting that claimed the life of Dingalomoya Chintso.
The 50-year-old taxi operator from Vrygrond was shot dead inside the court premises while facing his own charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Adams was arrested on Saturday by detectives from the Western Cape Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa.
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“With the investigation unfolding, the team has been questioning a number of individuals and steady progress is being made in efforts to apprehend all those responsible for the murder,” said Potelwa, adding that further arrests are expected in the case.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Adams entered the courtroom wearing a Puma olive-green jacket, partially covering his face.
He stood surrounded by armed police officers as prosecutors presented their case against him.
The court heard that witnesses and surveillance footage place Adams at the crime scene as one of the gunmen who shot and killed Chintso.
According to Times Live, Adams indicated he would seek representation from Legal Aid but may require a Judicare practitioner—a private attorney contracted by Legal Aid—due to the unusual circumstance of being tried in the same building where the crime occurred.
The brazen courthouse shooting has sparked concerns about security measures at judicial facilities.
During Adams’ appearance, authorities implemented heightened security protocols, with at least 13 members of the South African Police Service and two city law enforcement officials present in the courtroom.
Adams is the second person to be charged in connection with the killing.
Shireen Matthews, 35, was arrested on 13 April and made her first court appearance the following day.
Prosecutors believe Matthews was the mastermind behind the assassination, allegedly conspiring with the Junky Funky Kidz (JFK) gang and recruiting members to execute Chintso.
Both Adams and Matthews are expected to return to court on Wednesday for bail information and to confirm legal representation.
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