Earlier this week, the commission announced that it would delay the start of proceedings due to delays in the procurement of vital infrastructure – pushing back the previously announced date of 1 September for the commencement of hearings.

• “It is especially concerning that the delay seems to be due to public servants not executing their responsibilities. This commission is of utmost importance to restore credibility for the country,” Nqola said.

  The fallout from the commission’s announcement resulted in Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealing that the department has instituted disciplinary proceedings against its Director-General (DG), Advocate Doc Mashabane.

  The department’s ICT Deputy Director-General (DDG), Jabu Hlatshwayo, has also been placed on immediate suspension pending an investigation and disciplinary process.

  “It is regrettable that these public servants have not done their work to ensure this process starts on time. We call on the Minister to closely monitor the progress to ensure the work of the commission commences speedily,” Nqola said.

  During a media briefing earlier this week, the Minister assured South Africans that “significant progress” has been made in preparation for the beginning of the hearings.

  This includes:

• Venue: The commission will sit at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. Outstanding adjustments – including guard house and turnstile installations, office reconfiguration, and lift programming – are scheduled for completion this week.
• Capacitation: Appointments of commissioners, evidence leaders, a chief investigator with four investigators, secretarial staff and a spokesperson have been finalised.
• ICT and tools of trade: 25 laptops have been delivered and are being configured. Secure ICT infrastructure, searchable forensic data storage, cybersecurity solutions, and integrated email/website services are at procurement award stage and will be concluded (this week)

Cellphones have already been delivered to commissioners. Streaming services for public access are being finalised in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and a private broadcaster as the procurement process closes (this week).

“We remain committed to ensuring that the commission begins its work without further delay and to strengthening the operational efficiency of the department to prevent similar setbacks in the future,” Kubayi said.

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“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, Ms 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,” emphasised the Chairperson.

This incident follows the tragic murder of Ms Elona Sombulula, a court official at the Engcobo Magistrates Court, in April this year. The committee is gravely concerned by what appears to be a pattern of targeted violence against officials within the justice sector.

Mr Nqola stated: “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.”

He 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.

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, expressed his outrage at the attack, describing it as a horrifying sign of lawlessness and a direct challenge to the authority of the state.

“Criminals have become so brazen that they no longer care who they shoot or where they do it,” Nqola said. “It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could turn a court of law – a place meant to uphold justice – into a murder scene. This is a blatant and fearless act that must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

The incident reportedly occurred in the court lobby, where the attackers – armed and undetected – managed to enter the premises and open fire. Nqola questioned how it was possible for firearms to be brought into the building without detection.

“What is particularly alarming is that these ruthless individuals managed to bypass court security while armed. The question we must all be asking is: how were they able to enter the building with weapons?” he said.

Nqola also referenced a recent oversight visit by the committee to various courts in KwaZulu-Natal, where serious shortcomings in security infrastructure were noted.

“During our visit last month, we found that most of the metal detectors at the courts were not working. We raised this concern with both the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, specifically highlighting the issue of safety for everyone inside court buildings.”

In light of today’s incident, Nqola stressed the urgent need to re-evaluate and improve security at all judicial facilities across the country.

“We must prioritise the safety of judges, magistrates, legal professionals, and members of the public. People come to court assuming they are safe, and it is our duty to ensure that this is truly the case,” he said.

As investigations into the killing continue, questions remain over whether this tragedy could have been prevented – and what steps will now be taken to prevent similar attacks in future.

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