Murder of court officials: Parliament expresses grave concern, seeks to engage NPA

IOL News

2 days ago

Regional court prosecutor Tracy Brown was shot and killed in her vehicle at Gqerberha in the Algoa Park precinct on Thursday.
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Chairperson of Parliament's portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development, Xola Nqola, has expressed outrage at the cold-blooded murder of public prosecutor Tracy Brown in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
IOL reported on Friday that the murder of the female public prosecutor in front of her child and partner has been described as an attack on the rule of law.
Tracy Brown, a regional court prosecutor, was shot and killed in front of her house at Lotton Street, Young Park in Gqeberha on Thursday after four men alighted from a white Polo vehicle and fired multiple shots at her vehicle.
Nqola said protectors of the justice system in South Africa are not safe.
'This is indeed a tragedy where the protectors of our criminal justice system are not safe anymore. This is unacceptable and no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits to book,' he said.
According to reports, Brown was ambushed and shot multiple times by four armed assailants while sitting in her car, in full view of her partner and child.
'The brutal nature of this assassination-style killing is deeply disturbing and represents a direct attack on the justice system and those who serve it with dedication and courage,' he said.
This incident follows the tragic murder of Elona Sombulula, a court official at the Engcobo Magistrate's Court, in April.
The parliamentary committee is 'gravely concerned' by what appears to be a pattern of targeted violence against officials within the justice sector.
'The murder of Ms Brown is not only a devastating loss to her family and colleagues, but an attack on the rule of law in South Africa. Prosecutors serve at the forefront of our fight against crime and corruption. When they are targeted, it threatens the foundations of our constitutional democracy.
'The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to Ms Brown's loved ones and colleagues during this painful time. The committee also calls on law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation and ensure that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and face the full might of the law.'
Nqola said the portfolio committee will engage with the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on urgent measures to enhance the safety and security of prosecutors and court officials across the country.