Cape Town – The brazen gang-style execution of a taxi boss inside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court has shocked the legal fraternity and raised serious concerns about security lapses and the vulnerability of both accused persons and witnesses within the justice system. Dingalomoyo Cintso, 50, a taxi owner from Vrygrond, was gunned down on the fourth floor of the courthouse in a meticulously planned attack that has exposed critical flaws in security protocols.
According to eyewitness reports, a lone gunman, dressed in a maroon t-shirt and a black beanie, approached Cintso and fired four shots at his head, leaving him dead at the scene. The assailant then calmly made his escape, navigating three flights of stairs and a security turnstile before disappearing in a waiting getaway car, according to police sources.
While initial reports from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) suggested that Cintso was a State witness, this information was later corrected. A court source confirmed that Cintso was, in fact, an accused in a murder case linked to extortion activities in Muizenberg, adding a complex layer to the investigation.
The incident has also brought to light Cintso's criminal record, which includes pending murder cases dating back to January 2023, as well as previous charges of murder, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. While the earlier charges were withdrawn, the pending cases paint a picture of a man deeply entrenched in criminal activity.
The NPA has firmly refuted any claims that Cintso was a State witness. Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila stated, "The NPA has just been advised that the deceased who passed away following an alleged shooting inside the Wynberg Magistrates Court building was an accused who appeared at Court D. I can confirm that the accused was charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm."
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Wynberg police had registered a murder case. "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," Twigg said. He urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or use the South African Police Service MySAPS app.
Adding to the outrage and concern, sources within the police revealed that the metal detector at the court's front entrance was not functioning at the time of the shooting. This revelation has fueled speculation that a woman may have entered the court with the gun and passed it to the assailant, highlighting a significant breach in security protocols.
Distraught family members who arrived at the court carried away a blood-stained blanket that had been used to cover Cintso's body. A relative revealed that Cintso had been ambushed outside the same court last year after another appearance but had escaped unharmed. "We suspect this is connected to the ongoing taxi violence in our area," the relative said, pointing to the possibility that the shooting was linked to a long-standing feud within the taxi industry.
The Wynberg Community Policing Forum issued an immediate warning to residents to avoid the area, describing it as an "active scene." The court was temporarily closed following the incident, but proceedings resumed the following day.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of security protocols at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court, particularly in light of a similar incident last year. Christine Gumira was murdered on 25 May 2023 as she was leaving the court, captured on CCTV footage being shot in the head by a man who approached her from behind. Three people were arrested in that case. Christine Gumira was a 30-year-old Zimbabwean maid who witnessed her friend's murder in 2018. The fact that another violent crime has occurred at the same courthouse has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Defence lawyer William Booth, chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa's Criminal Law Committee, expressed his deep concern. "The security guards should have been more vigilant because this has happened before," Booth said. "The security at most courts around the country is a problem. I have raised this in meetings with all the role players, but it has not been resolved. The security equipment in most courts is not working." Booth also highlighted the lack of safety on the pavements leading to the building, making it vulnerable to attacks.
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais condemned the ease with which the firearm was brought into the courthouse. "It is unacceptable that someone could enter a court with a gun," Marais said. "This highlights the urgent need for tighter firearm and ammunition control. I urge SAPS (South African Police Service) to act swiftly and bring the suspect to justice."
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ministerial spokesperson, Steve Mahlangu, says the incident had been strongly condemned by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi who says it undermines the safety and integrity of the justice system.
Mahlangu says: "The Minister says such incidents have the potential to deter witnesses from assisting the state in prosecuting cases successfully. The South African Police Service is currently handling the investigation into how this incident occurred, and all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation. The Minister has committed to engaging with the Judiciary to explore mechanisms for better protecting witnesses. One of the options under consideration is the expanded use of technology, such as virtual remote testimony, as a means to enhance witness safety while still ensuring that justice is served. The court was closed after the incident, however we got a report that proceedings will continue today Wednesday."
The police are continuing their search for the suspects. Spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says: "Kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation. The investigating officer is following up all leads in a bid to make a breakthrough in the case."
The shooting also sheds light on the ongoing taxi violence and extortion rackets plaguing the Vrygrond area, where Cintso operated. News24 has previously reported on violent clashes between taxi operators and members of the Junky Funky Kids (JFK) gang. The violence is believed to have escalated following the murder of suspected JFK leader Ashley "Essie" Phillips in Brackenfell on 30 January.
Local ward councillor Mandy Marr confirmed that violence had escalated since Phillips' death, with allegations that some taxi operators were attempting to take over his extortion networks. "It all started with Essie's murder," said Marr. "There's some indication that taxi operators may have been involved (in his killing). Certain people are allegedly trying to claim the extortion rackets Essie controlled."
The December killing of a 16-year-old boy had already forced the suspension of taxi operations in the area.
The Wynberg court shooting is not an isolated incident. In May 2023, Christine Gumira, was murdered in a shooting on a street close to the court. It had been reported that she was involved in a murder case being heard there. In June 2023, the justice and correctional services minister said in response to a parliamentary question about the incident: “Prior to her death, she appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, with two… other accused persons on a charge of murder. On the day of her death, she appeared in court, whereafter her bail was extended until her next court appearance.”
Her death had been “unforeseen” since she had previously appeared in the court without any incident. “There was also no forewarning that an attack of this nature would be directed at the female accused person after her appearance in court,” the police added. Suspects were subsequently arrested for her murder.
About two years ago a woman accused of murder was shot in a nearby street while walking from the court.
The latest incident, on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, shifts the focus back to security in courts.
It is understood the shooting occurred while many people were inside the court building and that afterwards there were fears about the killer or killers being on the loose there.
When this Daily Maverick reporter was previously at the Wynberg court building, security measures, including body and bag searches, were in place at the entrance.
Video footage, shared on social media and allegedly taken at the court on Tuesday, showed people seated inside a room as a woman says that shots can be heard and that their lives are in danger.
Other footage and images showed an individual wearing light pants, a long-sleeve top and takkies, partially sprawled over a bench in a passage in the court building.
In October 2022, police also announced that officers monitoring a case there had flagged a vehicle parked outside the court. “When approached, the occupants were found in possession of an imitation firearm and dangerous weapons,” they said at the time. Five suspects had been arrested.
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