Minister Marais conducts urgent oversight visit to Athlone Magistrate’s Court and Athlone SAPS following fatal shootings

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, conducted an oversight visit to the Athlone Magistrate’s Court and the Athlone Police Station following the shooting incidents on Wednesday afternoon, during which two men were shot and killed within minutes of each other near the court precinct.

During the visit, Minister Marais engaged court personnel who confirmed that additional security measures have been implemented to strengthen safety in and around the court.

Minister Marais also met with Colonel Alcock and his management team at Athlone SAPS, who provided a detailed briefing on the police’s response.

Minister Marais said, “I was informed that additional security measures have been implemented at Athlone Magistrates Court following recent discussions between the Western Cape Government, the Western Cape Judge President, and Western Cape SAPS management. Colonel Alcock also indicated that an operational plan is in place after Wednesday`s shooting. The current status quo where attacks occur in and around our courts is completely unacceptable. It demands stronger coordination between SAPS, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, The National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Correctional Services to ensure the safety of all who work in, attend, or live near our courts.”

While these steps represent positive progress, Minister Marais emphasised that further improvements are still required to ensure full safety around the court precinct. The Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety will continue to engage the relevant government departments to address outstanding shortcomings and strengthen long-term security interventions in and around our courts. The Minister urges SAPS to implement these measures across other high-risk areas. The Minister will be following up with further oversight visits in due course to assess SAPS' operations."
 

Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt, Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za