Police and emergency services are at the scene following a shooting in which at least five people were shot at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg.

Image: File/ Henk Kruger

At least five people were shot, and two were killed, during a shooting incident at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

In a media statement, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said it had learnt with serious concern of the shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

“The incident is still active, and law enforcement agencies are attending to the situation,” the ministry said.

At this stage, it has been reported that five people were shot, with two fatalities. Earlier reports indicated that a lawyer and several women were among those wounded.

Emergency services and police responded to the scene, with the court precinct cordoned off as authorities attended to the injured and secured the area. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been disclosed.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel is expected to proceed to the scene to assess the situation, while the ministry said it was awaiting further verified details from law enforcement agencies and court management.

The ministry condemned the incident and said it would work with relevant security and law enforcement authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to safeguard court users and personnel.

Police have not yet released details on the suspect or the motive behind the shooting.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.