- Minister says attack threatens constitutional democracy and rule of law.
- Legal practitioner shot during labour dispute in Johannesburg CBD.
- Police investigation underway with no arrests made yet.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has spoken out strongly against the fatal shooting of a legal practitioner in the Johannesburg CBD, calling the attack a direct threat to the rule of law and South Africa’s constitutional order.
The victim, a lawyer on Sibanye-Stillwater’s legal team, was shot and killed on Monday, 23 March 2026, near the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices at the corner of Fox and Joubert Streets. She had reportedly been attending to a labour dispute at the time.
Minister condemns attack on legal profession
Kubayi said violence has no place in resolving disputes and pointed out that attacks on legal practitioners go to the very heart of the justice system.
“The justice system exists to provide lawful, fair, and structured ways of resolving disputes,” she said. “We urge everyone to reject violence and place their trust in legal processes and institutions.”
She also warned that incidents like this chip away at public confidence in legal institutions and put at risk the very people who work to ensure access to justice.
“An attack like this undermines the rule of law and threatens the very foundation of our constitutional democracy,” she added. “Legal practitioners play a critical role in ensuring access to justice, and their safety must be protected at all times.”
Investigation underway amid calls for accountability
The South African Police Service has launched an investigation into the killing, though no arrests have been made at this stage. Kubayi urged law enforcement to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice.
She reiterated that violence against anyone will not be tolerated, and extended her condolences to the victim’s family, her colleagues, and the broader legal community.
The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances of the shooting.
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