'Death of a prosecutor is one too many'
The incident occurred on Thursday, 31 July, in what authorities have described as an assassination-style attack.
The motive for the killing remains unclear.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has strongly condemned the murder, calling it an attack on the rule of law. In a statement, the NPA described the killing of prosecutors as deeply disturbing.
NPA National Spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, said prosecutors have a deep commitment to serving the people, often at great personal risk.
'To target those who dedicate their lives to upholding the law is to strike at the heart of our constitutional democracy. We will not be deterred in our resolve to deliver on our mandate to ensure justice for the people of our country,' Mhaga added.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned the murder and called for urgent measures to protect NPA staff. She also described Brown's death as 'heartbreaking' and the act as 'barbaric.'
'These protections must be reinforced and better coordinated with other security cluster stakeholders to ensure that our prosecutors can carry out their duties without fear for their lives,' the Minister said.
She further urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in their investigation.
'The death of a prosecutor is one too many,' Minister Kubayi added.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Elton Jantjies goes hunting, posts pictures with dead animal
Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has posted pictures from his first hunting trip on social media, risking ridicule from the public. Image: Instagram @eltonjantjies Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has posted pictures from his first ever hunting trip on social media, risking more ridicule from the public. Jantjies, who turned 35 on Friday, 1 August, celebrated by hunting with 'some special people' – as per the caption on his post. Early comments were largely negative. Elton Jantjies was born on 1 August 1990 in Graaff-Reinert in the Eastern Cape. He is a South African rugby union player, best known for his role as a flyhalf for the Springboks, and for the Lions in Super Rugby. Springboks (National Team): Jantjies earned 46 Test caps for South Africa between 2012 and 2022, scoring 331 points during his international career (fifth most for the Springboks). He was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad . Jantjies earned for South Africa between 2012 and 2022, scoring during his international career (fifth most for the Springboks). He was part of the . Super Rugby (Lions): He was a key figure in the Golden Lions and Lions teams that reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals from 2016 to 2018. His attacking flair, kicking accuracy, and quick decision-making were central to the team's success during this period. He was a key figure in the and teams that reached from 2016 to 2018. His attacking flair, kicking accuracy, and quick decision-making were central to the team's success during this period. Playing style: Jantjies was known for his creative playmaking, precise goal-kicking, and calm control under pressure. At his peak, he was one of the most exciting and polarising talents in South African rugby. In 2023 , Jantjies tested positive for Clenbuterol , a banned performance-enhancing substance. , Jantjies tested , a banned performance-enhancing substance. As a result, he was handed a four-year suspension from rugby in January 2024 . in . He did not contest the ban, effectively bringing his professional playing career to a halt. This came after a rocky period that included: Alleged disciplinary issues while in the Springbok camp. An off-field scandal in 2022 involving misconduct on a flight and tabloid reports of an affair. After his suspension, Jantjies transitioned into coaching, joining a Johannesburg-based rugby academy as a kicking and attack coach. He has expressed a desire to use his experience to mentor young players and help them avoid the mistakes he made. You okay with Elton Jantjies posting pictures from his hunting trip? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Tragedy on Chapman's Peak: Cyclist killed in collision with tour bus
A tragic crash on Chapman's Peak Drive on Saturday morning has left the cycling community in mourning, following a fatal collision involving two cyclists and a tour bus. According to an eyewitness report, the incident occurred at the first picnic area on the famed route. RELATED | SA rower Kerry Grundlingh killed in Johannesburg cycling accident The tour bus was turning right when it collided with two cyclists who were heading towards Hout Bay. Tragically, one of the cyclists died at the scene. The second cyclist was airlifted to hospital via emergency helicopter. Sources on the scene said the surviving cyclist appeared to be in stable condition, though the full extent of their injuries has not been confirmed. Emergency services, paramedics, and traffic officers responded swiftly, and the area was closed off for several hours while an investigation began. Cycling groups, road users, and members of the public have expressed shock and sadness at the accident. 'Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the cyclist who passed away,' said a local riding club. 'This is a tragic reminder of the risks cyclists face, even in areas designed to celebrate the joy of riding.' Chapman's Peak Drive is a popular route for both local and international cyclists, known for its breathtaking views but also its winding, narrow curves and blind spots. The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released pending official identification and family notifications. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation. This developing news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Gqeberha prosecutor gunned down outside her home in ‘planned hit' emphasises high stakes
The assassination of a legal counsel in an apparent hit draws attention to a worrying trend of sourcing 'guns for hire' in the Eastern Cape. The death of a Gqeberha public prosecutor, widely believed to be an assassination, has highlighted growing concern for the safety of state attorneys. Crime experts warn that there is no clear solution to the escalating attacks on legal officials – especially in the Eastern Cape (EC), which they describe as a rising hotspot for hired guns. Regional Court prosecutor Tracy Brown arrived at her Young Park home at around 3.30pm on Thursday 31 July. She was still seated in her car when a VW Polo pulled up to her driveway. Four armed men wearing masks to hide their faces got out, walked up to her car and fired multiple shots into Brown's Toyota Etios before fleeing the scene. Brown's partner and minor child were at home when the incident occurred. She was rushed to hospital, but sadly succumbed to the numerous gunshot wounds she sustained. The police said the motive behind the murder was still unclear. But the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as well as court and police officials who worked with Brown, believe she was the target of a planned hit murder. Her death comes only a few short months after another prosecutor, Elona Sombulula, was shot and killed in Ngcobo in April. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said Brown's death was an attack on law and order, and no stone would be left unturned to solve the violent crime. 'Brutal murder' 'Tracy Brown was shot assassination-style by four armed men in front of her house in Gqeberha, in the presence of her partner and minor child. The NPA, together with law enforcement, will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this brutal murder are brought to justice,' he said. Mhaga said prosecutors like Brown show a deep commitment to upholding the law, often at great personal risk. He shared the NPA's condolences with her family. Colleagues of Brown's at the New Brighton Magistrates' Court said she was a hard-working and diligent prosecutor who never shied away from difficult cases. Detectives working in the jurisdiction of her court said she was very dedicated to her craft and often put pressure on them to conduct very thorough investigations when building her cases. 'Even when she put pressure on us, she was a delight to work with. She only pushed us to ensure the success of our cases. Her death is a major loss to law and law enforcement,' a detective who worked closely with her said. In another unrelated incident, it is believed that a prosecutor stationed at the Gqeberha Magistrates Court recently took an extended period of leave after allegedly receiving reports that she was being targeted by suspects awaiting the outcome of their formal bail application. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned the murders that claimed Brown and Sombulula, and called on the public to assist the police by coming forward with any information they believe could help the investigation. 'The death of one prosecutor is one too many,' she said. 'Their protection must be reinforced and better coordinated with other security cluster stakeholders to ensure that our prosecutors can carry out their duties without fear for their lives.' Kubayi said the NPA had security measures in place for prosecutors, but said these measures should urgently be reviewed and strengthened, particularly in the EC. Bringing shooters from EC Criminologist John Alexander said the suspected hit murders of state officials were endemic to the EC, where hitmen are steadily becoming a well-known export. 'The gun-for-hire trade is becoming highly specialised in the Eastern Cape. More and more reports are circulating that gangs from the Western Cape and other provinces are bringing shooters from the Eastern Cape to do their dirty work.' With reference to the murders of public prosecutors, Alexander said there was no quick solution to the problem. Due to the nature of their work, and courts being a public space where anyone can attend proceedings, Alexander said prosecutors have no chance of a normal life. 'Often they do not get to choose the cases they are assigned, and when you deal with dangerous criminals, you open yourself up to risk. Prosecutors either make use of security guards, or they accept the risks that come from not being protected.' He believes the increase in violence against court officials also increases the chances of corruption or extortion. 'The unfortunate truth is that officials might become more susceptible to taking bribes if it means saving their lives and protecting their loved ones. A little envelope to make a case go away might just be the thing to keep the hitmen off your tail,' Alexander said. DM
