The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will be hosting a memorial service in honour of its diligent Regional Court prosecutor, Tracy Brown, who was assassinated in Gqeberha on 31 July 2025. This brutal act was condemned by the NPA.
Brown’s memorial service will be held on Thursday, 7 August at 12:00 midday. According to the Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, the service will be held at Feather Market Centre, in Central, Gqeberha, with the dress code set to black and white. Attendees are encouraged to bring their robes.
Tyali also mentioned that the courts in Gqeberha will adjourn at 11:00, giving Brown’s colleagues the opportunity to attend. “However, the courts will operate with skeleton staff, so other services will still be rendered during this time,” he said.
Tyali added, “The NPA Eastern Cape leadership, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Barry Madolo, will be in attendance.”
Spokesperson for the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Terrence Manase, said that Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will also be in attendance and deliver a message of support at the memorial service.
The Northern Areas Football Association will also host their own memorial service in honour of Brown at the Nafa Hall in Gelvandale today, 6 August from 18:30. The association shared a statement on social media: “We’re saddened to announce the passing of Tracy Brown, a dedicated member of our legal team. Her tragic death has shocked our community, leaving a profound impact on all who knew her.”
The statement added, “Tracy will be remembered for her tireless commitment to justice, her selfless efforts, and her unwavering dedication to making a positive difference. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.”
According to Mthunzi Mhaga, the NPA National spokesperson, Brown was shot multiple times in an execution-style attack outside her home in Lotton Street, Young Park, at approximately 15:30 on the aforementioned date.
“This shocking incident took place shortly after Brown arrived home, in the presence of her partner and minor child, adding to the tragedy of the crime. The perpetrators, four masked men driving a white VW Polo, ambushed Brown as she sat in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios,” Mhaga added.
The suspects, after stopping near her car, opened fire on her multiple times. Brown was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds but succumbed to her injuries en route.
“Authorities have not yet established a motive for the killing, and the suspects remain unidentified.”
National Spokesperson for the NPA, Mthunzi Mhaga, expressed the organisation’s deep concern and sorrow over Brown’s senseless death.
He described the killing as a direct attack on the rule of law, noting that prosecutors risk their lives every day in pursuit of justice. He also highlighted the fact that Brown’s murder follows the earlier killing of prosecutor Elona Sombulula in April 2025, who was murdered in Engcobo.
“We will not be deterred in our resolve to deliver on our mandate to ensure justice for the people of our country,” Mhaga said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Brown’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
The murder has sparked alarm within the NPA, which has been calling for heightened security measures for prosecutors.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, also expressed her deep concern over the ongoing violence against officers of the court.
While she noted that the NPA already has security and employee assistance measures in place for prosecutors, Kubayi acknowledged that there are significant gaps, particularly in the Eastern Cape, that urgently need to be addressed.
“The NPA and law enforcement agencies have vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of Brown’s murder to justice. Police, including SAPS Algoa Park Detectives, are currently investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward,” said Mhaga.
