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Accused Man Fatally Shot at Melmoth Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal

Posted by Gistsnaija. on 13 May, 2025 | under News
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A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of Monday, May 12, at the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, when an accused man in custody was fatally shot after reportedly gaining access to a court orderly’s firearm. The accused was shot by a second court orderly who intervened quickly to neutralize the threat, according to preliminary reports.

Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, confirmed that the accused managed to seize a firearm during court proceedings. In what has been described as a rapid and decisive response, another court orderly drew his weapon and fatally shot the suspect, preventing what could have escalated into a more dangerous situation.

Emergency responders declared the man dead at the scene. While the identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed, authorities are actively investigating the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting. Manase commended the professionalism and swift actions of the court personnel, noting that their quick thinking likely averted a greater tragedy.

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In the wake of the incident, the Ministry of Justice has initiated an internal review to assess and strengthen court security protocols nationwide. Law enforcement agencies are also conducting an independent investigation to establish all facts related to the shooting. Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an urgent briefing and emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures across all judicial facilities.

“The department is prioritizing the safety of all individuals within court environments and is collaborating closely with the police to implement immediate security upgrades,” Manase said in a follow-up statement.

Despite the violence, operations at the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court continued without interruption, and services to the public proceeded as scheduled. This fatal shooting comes just weeks after a similar court-related incident in April, where a man was shot and killed at the Wynberg Regional Court in the Western Cape following a consultation with his legal representative.

As investigations continue, the South African government faces growing calls to address security lapses and reinforce protective measures in all court buildings to ensure the safety of court officials, legal professionals, and the public.