Witness shot and killed outside court in Eldos murder case
The Eldorado Park murder case, which dates back to 2021, was set to go to trial today.
A 27-year-old man, scheduled to testify as a witness in an Eldorado Park murder case, was shot dead outside the Lenasia Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, January 21.
The brazen daylight attack has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about witness protection in South Africa.
According to police reports, the witness was standing outside the court when he was confronted by two armed suspects, who opened fire without warning.
The victim was declared dead at the scene. Lt Col Mavela Masondo, police spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
The Eldorado Park murder case, which dates back to 2021, was set to go to trial today.
JUST IN| A man has been shot and killed outside the Lenasia magistrate’s court, south of Joburg. He was allegedly a witness in a case being heard before court this morning. Police have cordoned off the scene. The deceased was shot four times.
📷Supplied pic.twitter.com/cOBYtwaqPm
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) January 21, 2025
The victim’s family, who arrived at the scene in a state of shock, described him as a pastor, not a gangster.
One distraught family member was heard screaming, ‘He was not a gangster, he was a pastor!’
When questioned about the priority of witness protection in South Africa, Lt Col Masondo emphasised that the police always appeal to witnesses to report any threats they may receive, so that protection can be arranged.
However, in this case, the police did not receive any information about the witness receiving threats.
Police are now appealing to anyone, who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects, to call the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
Information can also be given anonymously via the MySAPS app.
