The shooting at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court has been linked to a murder case stemming from a fatal stabbing at a Mondeor pool hall last year.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel confirmed that the accused, who is out on bail, was attending a pretrial conference related to a murder case.

The matter involves an 18-year-old accused who allegedly stabbed and killed another 18-year-old at the Ballbreakers pool hall in Mondeor on April 5.

ALSO READ: Teen (18) faces murder charges after Mondeor stabbing

Gunmen opened fire outside court

Nel said the attack happened outside the court building as the accused, accompanied by family members and a legal representative, exited towards the parking area.

@southern.courierDeputy Minister Nel says gunmen opened fire outside the court as the accused exited after a pretrial conference. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Armed assailants gained access through a pedestrian entrance and opened fire, killing two people and injuring three others before fleeing the scene.

WATCH: Booysens Magistrate’s Court shooting leaves 2 dead, lawyer among 3 survivors

Security measures under review

According to Nel, the court has permanent security personnel, operational CCTV systems, metal detectors and x-ray machines in place, and crime wardens deployed within the precinct. He said security inside the court remains adequate.

However, the incident has prompted an urgent review of security in areas surrounding the court, including parking areas and external access points, with discussions underway between justice and police authorities to strengthen visible policing at courts.

Courts increasingly targeted

Nel warned that courts are increasingly being used by criminals as predictable locations where specific individuals are known to be present at certain times.

ALSO READ: Mondeor pool hall murder case set for trial

He said similar incidents elsewhere in the country have shown that attacks near courts undermine public confidence in the justice system and pose serious risks to magistrates, prosecutors, court staff and members of the public.

Support for staff and court operations

Nel said employee wellness services have been deployed to provide counselling to court staff who witnessed the incident. Support is also being extended to prosecutors and other officials, including those involved in related cases and those not directly affected.

@southern.courierDeputy Minister Nel says gunmen opened fire outside the court as the accused exited after a pretrial conference. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

He added that the Booysens Magistrate’s Court will resume operations as normal tomorrow.

Condolences expressed

On behalf of the Department of Justice, Nel conveyed condolences to the families of the two people who were killed in the shooting and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He also praised court officials who continued with their duties despite the traumatic events.