A shooting outside the Booysens Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, has left two people dead and three others injured, authorities confirmed. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said the incident is still active, with law enforcement attending to victims and securing the area.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel is on his way to the scene to assess the situation and meet with court management. At this stage, authorities have not released the identities of the victims or provided details on the circumstances leading to the attack. The Ministry has urged the public to rely only on verified information to prevent the spread of rumours.

“This is a deeply concerning incident,” the Ministry said in a statement. “We are working closely with law enforcement and security authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to protect court users and personnel.”

The Booysens shooting is not an isolated incident. South Africa has experienced several violent attacks at court premises in recent years. In 2021, a shooting outside a Pretoria court left one person dead and several injured, while in 2019, another incident at a KwaZulu-Natal magistrate’s court saw a suspect open fire on court personnel. These events have heightened concerns about the safety of judges, court staff, and members of the public attending proceedings.

Experts say that increasing court violence is linked to tensions between criminal networks, disputes over cases, and the high stakes involved in legal proceedings. Court security has been under scrutiny, with calls for enhanced measures such as increased armed security, metal detectors, and stricter visitor screening. Some officials have also proposed faster reporting systems and coordinated responses with local police to prevent attacks before they happen.

The Ministry said that in response to today’s shooting, security protocols are being reviewed and additional personnel are being deployed where necessary. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.

As South Africa grapples with the threat of violence at its courts, incidents like the Booysens shooting underscore the need for stronger security measures and community vigilance to ensure that judicial spaces remain safe for everyone.