- Legal bodies condemn the killing of Chinette Gallichan and call for stronger protection measures in justice spaces.
- Associations stress that safety failures affect lawyers, litigants, witnesses, and public trust in the system.
- Urgent collaboration with justice and security authorities is critical to restoring confidence.
The killing of lawyer Chinette Gallichan, 35, has prompted a strong response from Gauteng’s leading legal bodies. They say the attack highlights a serious breakdown in safety within areas meant to uphold justice.
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In a joint statement, the Gauteng Attorneys Association, Johannesburg Attorneys Association, Pretoria Attorneys Association, and West Rand Legal Practitioners Association warned that the effects of such violence go beyond this single incident and threaten the integrity of the entire justice system.
The associations confirmed that Gallichan was shot near the CCMA in the Johannesburg CBD while carrying out her duties in labour law. They described her work as central to resolving disputes and emphasised the wider impact of her loss, saying, “Her passing is a personal loss to those who knew her and a significant loss to the profession and the broader justice system she served.”
Safety crisis within justice spaces
In the statement, they addressed the systemic risks now facing legal practitioners and court users. The associations warned that the incident reveals deeper vulnerabilities in justice environments. They made it clear these concerns are not isolated but rather structural issues that require immediate action.
They said, “This tragedy also highlights the larger issue of safety within the justice environment,” adding that, “Incidents of violence affecting legal practitioners, litigants, witnesses, and members of the public show the need for ongoing assessment and improvement of security measures within these spaces.”
The organisations stressed that places like courts and the CCMA are meant to provide peaceful and lawful dispute resolution but warned that this purpose is threatened when safety cannot be assured. They noted, “Spaces such as the CCMA and our courts are intended to provide lawful and peaceful mechanisms for dispute resolution. It is essential that these environments remain secure and professionally protected for all who use them.”
Call for urgent and coordinated intervention
The legal bodies placed responsibility on coordinated action among the profession, the Department of Justice, and security authorities. They identified specific actions that must be prioritised to prevent further incidents and restore confidence in the system.
They said, “We see continued engagement between the legal profession, the Department of Justice, and relevant security authorities as an urgent priority. Practical safeguards, including access control, visible security presence, monitoring systems, and appropriate risk assessments, are vital to ensuring that legal processes can happen without fear or disruption.”
The associations made it clear that isolated or temporary measures will not suffice, warning that, “These measures need collaborative and sustained attention.”
Rule of law at stake
The associations stressed that such incidents weaken both the reality and perception of safety, which are essential for maintaining public trust.
They said, “Acts of violence in contexts connected to the legal process have consequences that go beyond the immediate tragedy. ” The organisations added, “They affect public trust in the justice system and the assurance that disputes can be resolved lawfully and in an orderly way.”
In a direct statement about the stakes involved, they concluded, “Preserving both the reality and perception of safety within our institutions is crucial for upholding the rule of law.”
The organisations concluded by honouring Gallichan and reaffirming the profession’s commitment to justice. “We honour the memory of Chinette Gallichan and restate our commitment to supporting safe, effective, and accessible justice institutions across Gauteng and beyond. Due process will ensure justice and accountability,” they added.
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