Murder of court officials: Parliament expresses grave concern, seeks to engage NPA
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.
On Friday, IOL reported that NPA spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, said they condemned the murder of Brown, of which the motive is not yet known.
Mhaga said: “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 motive for Brown’s senseless killing is unknown. Her murder is an attack on the rule of law and our tireless efforts to hold criminals accountable. The NPA, together with law enforcement, will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this brutal murder are brought to justice.
“The recent killing of prosecutors, who put their lives on the line every day in the pursuit of justice, is deeply disturbing. This murder follows the merciless killing of another prosecutor, Elona Sombulula, from the Engcobo Magistrate’s Court in April this year,” said Mhaga.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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