An accused individual was fatally shot on Monday morning, May 12, at the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, after allegedly attempting to seize a court orderly’s firearm.
The shooting was carried out by a second court orderly who responded quickly to the situation.
Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, confirmed that the accused managed to access the firearm during court proceedings.
“In a swift and decisive action, a second court orderly responded appropriately and discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the accused before further harm could occur,” Manase said.
The accused was declared dead at the scene, though the full details—including the identity of the deceased and the events leading up to the shooting—are still under investigation. Manase commended the professionalism of the court officials, stating, “Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially larger tragedy.”
The Ministry of Justice has launched an internal review of court security protocols, while the police are conducting their own investigation.
“A full report will be provided in due course,” Manase added. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an urgent briefing on the incident and emphasized the need to strengthen security measures across all court facilities.
“The department is working closely with law enforcement to urgently implement enhanced safety protocols to protect all court users,” he said.
Despite the shooting, operations at the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court proceeded as usual, and the regional court continued to serve the public.
This incident follows a similar shooting in April at the Wynberg Regional Court in the Western Cape, where a man was killed after meeting with an attorney.
