Threats against judicial officers rise sharply

The Department of Justice has confirmed a steep rise in threats targeting members of the judiciary, revealing that 17 judges and 39 magistrates required proactive security intervention during the period under review. The Weekend Argus says it previously reported that, according to the latest national survey documenting magistrates' perceptions, nearly a third of judicial officers have been threatened or harmed directly because of their work. The findings painted a stark picture of the risks facing judicial officials, warning that courtrooms and surrounding facilities have increasingly become danger zones. Within a 12-month period, 23% of magistrates reported being threatened or harmed ‘once or twice,’ while a further 10% faced multiple incidents. The Western Cape emerged as the most dangerous province, with 39% of magistrates reporting threats, underscoring deep regional disparities in judicial safety. Notably, threats are not confined to criminal matters that magistrates are presiding over, but include civil disputes. Samuel Modipane, spokesperson for the Department of Justice, said the department had proactively acted on all reported threats, both inside and outside court. These included planned attacks, anonymous communications, attempts to disrupt proceedings, and other intimidation efforts. According to Modipane, each incident was managed swiftly through established security protocols, preventing disruptions to the work of the judiciary. He added that no judge or magistrate has left their post due to safety fears, reflecting the effectiveness of strengthened protection systems.

This situation prompted a sitting of the Select Committee on Security & Justice last week, where the safety of judicial officers, particularly in gang-affected communities, was discussed. Democratic Alliance MP Nicholas Gotsell highlighted the immediate risks magistrates face. ‘The disturbing case of the Mitchell's Plain magistrate who was followed home, shortly before two women connected to her case were brutally murdered, brings into sharp focus the very real dangers faced by judicial officers, particularly in gang-affected communities,’ Gotsell said. He added that the meeting raised the urgent need for a concrete, co-ordinated plan to protect magistrates, especially in the Western Cape where violent retaliation, intimidation and recent ‘escapes’ from police custody pose escalating risks. Weekend Argus notes that while the Deputy Minister has assured that both the magistracy and SAPS are engaged, Gotsell said the current system is still too reactive. The Judge President of the Western Cape proposed proclaiming correctional facilities as virtual courts. Gotsell welcomed the proposal, describing it as a genuinely important intervention. ‘Virtual courts inside prisons remove the risks associated with transporting high-risk accused through public court buildings and would materially improve safety if implemented swiftly. Her proactive engagement and visible leadership on this issue are commendable.’ He also emphasised the need for specialised gang courts.

Full Weekend Argus report