CAPE TOWN – Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais conducted an urgent oversight visit to Athlone Magistrate’s Court and Athlone police station today, following Wednesday’s deadly shooting incidents that claimed two lives near the court building.
This follows a similar shooting incident in August which claimed the life of a man in front of the Mitchell’s Plein Magistrate’s Court.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the police are investigating two separate murder cases following the shooting incidents on 3 December.
At 13:45, a 32-year-old man was shot dead while sitting in a car approximately 50 meters from the court building. Just five minutes later, at about 13:50, another man aged 31 was shot and killed approximately 300 meters away from the court in the Kewtown area.
The suspect or suspects fled the scene. Van Wyk confirmed that the motive for these attacks forms part of the ongoing police investigation.
During her oversight visit, Marais engaged with court personnel who confirmed that additional security measures have already been implemented to strengthen safety protocols in and around the court building. The minister also held detailed discussions with Athlone Station Commander Colonel Junaid Alcock and his management team, receiving a comprehensive briefing on the police response to the incidents.
“I was informed that additional security measures have been implemented at Athlone Magistrates Court following recent discussions between the Western Cape Government, the Western Cape Judge President, and Western Cape SAPS management,” Marais stated.
Alcock indicated that an operational plan has been put in place following Wednesday’s shooting incidents. However, Marais stated that the current situation remains deeply concerning.
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“The current status quo where attacks occur in and around our courts is completely unacceptable,” she declared. “It demands stronger coordination between SAPS, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, The National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Correctional Services to ensure the safety of all who work in, attend, or live near our courts.”
While acknowledging the positive steps taken in response to the Athlone incidents, Marais stressed that more comprehensive improvements are still required to ensure complete safety around court precincts throughout the province.
Marais also urged SAPS to implement similar enhanced security measures across other high-risk areas, recognizing that court security is a province-wide concern that extends beyond Athlone.
Police are continuing their investigation into both murder cases. Anyone with information about these shooting incidents is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
