Two dead following shooting at Booysens Magistrate’s Court

Zuko Komisa

Two people are confirmed dead and three others injured following a shooting at Booysens Magistrate’s Court today.
The gunfire reportedly targeted a lawyer and two women, though their identities and conditions remain unverified.
Law enforcement has secured the site while Deputy Minister Andries Nel travels to the scene to assess the security breach.

Two people have been killed and three others injured following a shooting at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg today, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development expressed “serious concern” as law enforcement agencies moved to secure the active scene.

Preliminary reports indicate that five people were shot in total, resulting in two confirmed fatalities.

It is understood that the gunfire targeted a lawyer and two women, though the specific conditions of the survivors and the identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel is scheduled to visit the scene this afternoon to assess the situation.

The Ministry has issued a stern condemnation of the violence, pledging to work alongside security clusters to bolster safety measures for legal staff and the public.

“The Ministry condemns this incident and will work with the relevant security and law enforcement authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to safeguard court users and personnel,” a spokesperson stated.