A suspect in the plot of a hit on a gang boss outside the Brackenfell SAPS earlier this year was shot dead inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Dramatic scenes unfolded in the court building as people scrambled to find a safe place to hide as word spread that a shooter was on the loose in the government building.
According to an eye witness, he watched as the gunman boldly removed a glock pistol from his sling bag and fired four shots in the head of his target.
The source said he was left traumatised after seeing the victim fall to the ground as panic spread across the courtroom.
"I was leaving Regional B and walking towards the staircase when the killer arrived. He was a black guy wearing a maroon t-shirt and black beanie," he said.
"It was so brazen, he just took out the glock from his sling bag and fired four head shots and the guy collapsed on the bankie (bench) and died on the spot.
"The killer ran away and I have no idea who the victim is. The cops were all over blocking the entrances and apparently got two guys."
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, confirmed the incident.
"Wynberg police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident at court in Church Road, Wynberg, on Tuesday, April 8,"said Twigg
"The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation and arrests are yet to be made."
Shortly after the shooting, rumours arose that the victim was allegedly a State witness.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: "We have been informed that the deceased was a State witness but at this stage we are not in a position to confirm that as the matter is under investigation."
According to another source, the man was later identified as a member of the Junky Funky Kidz gang and a person of interest in the murder of Ashley "Essie" Phillips.
@capeargus_news The court corridors of the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court erupted in screams and chaos after a shooting incident occurred on Tuesday. Forensic investigators are seen removing the body of a state witness who sustained gunshot wounds to the head. 📹 Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The 42-year-old Phillips, who was outed as the leader of the same gang, was killed outside Brackenfell SAPS in January this year.
It is understood that at the time of his death, Phillips had visited the police station where he was required to sign in line with his bail conditions.
Cape Argus