GQEBERHA – The brazen murder of a Gqeberha prosecutor in front of her partner and child has ignited a firestorm of concern over the safety of legal professionals in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape. Tracy Brown, a regional court prosecutor attached to the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court, was ambushed and shot multiple times by four armed men on Thursday afternoon, sparking calls for urgent security reforms to protect those who uphold the law.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has described Brown’s killing as an "assassination-style" attack, stating that she was deliberately targeted. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga condemned the murder as an attack on law and order, vowing that no stone would be left unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Tracy Brown was shot assassination-style by four armed men in front of her house in Gqeberha, in the presence of her partner and minor child. The NPA, together with law enforcement, will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this brutal murder are brought to justice," Mhaga said. He added that prosecutors like Brown demonstrate a deep commitment to upholding the law, often at great personal risk, and shared the NPA’s condolences with her family.
Colleagues at the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court remember Brown as a hard-working and diligent prosecutor who never shied away from difficult cases. A detective who worked closely with her described her as dedicated and thorough, always pushing investigators to build strong cases. "Even when she put pressure on us, she was a delight to work with. She only pushed us to ensure the success of our cases. Her death is a major loss to law and law enforcement," the detective said.
This tragedy comes just three months after the murder of another prosecutor, Elona Sombulula, who was shot and killed in Ngcobo in April. The targeting of NPA employees has prompted serious questions about the security measures in place to protect legal professionals.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned the murders of Brown and Sombulula, calling on the public to assist the police by providing any information that could aid the investigation. "The death of one prosecutor is one too many," she said.
Kubayi acknowledged that the NPA has security measures in place for prosecutors but stated that these measures should be urgently reviewed and strengthened, particularly in the Eastern Cape. "Their protection must be reinforced and better coordinated with other security cluster stakeholders to ensure that our prosecutors can carry out their duties without fear for their lives," she said.
Advocates for Transformation (AFT) has joined the call for urgent security reforms, highlighting the growing danger faced by those who uphold the law. AFT’s Myron Dewrance SC said Brown’s murder was not an isolated incident, citing the attempted assassination of advocate Coreth Naudé SC in 2024 and the assassination of two state witnesses inside a courtroom in Cape Town.
"It also comes amid a concerning rise in threats and violence directed at members of the legal profession – both in public service and private practice," Dewrance said. "The attacks illustrate the growing danger faced by those who uphold the law and challenge criminal impunity. It shows a clear pattern to interfere with the administration of justice by eliminating those who have the potential to bring criminal suspects to justice."
The AFT has called for the swift prosecution of those responsible for the murders of Brown and Sombulula, as well as other legal practitioners who have been targeted. "We stand in solidarity with the National Prosecuting Authority, the judiciary, the legal profession, and the families of the fallen. May the memory of Tracy Brown and others galvanise this nation into action. Their lives must not be extinguished in vain. Let this be a turning point – where silence gives way to resolve, and fear gives way to justice," Dewrance said.
Criminologist John Alexander has warned that the Eastern Cape is becoming a hotspot for hired guns, with the "gun-for-hire trade" becoming increasingly specialised in the province. He noted that gangs from other provinces are reportedly bringing shooters from the Eastern Cape to carry out their "dirty work."
Alexander believes there is no quick solution to the problem of violence against court officials. Due to the nature of their work and the public nature of court proceedings, prosecutors have limited options for protecting themselves. "Often they do not get to choose the cases they are assigned, and when you deal with dangerous criminals, you open yourself up to risk. Prosecutors either make use of security guards, or they accept the risks that come from not being protected," he said.
Alexander also expressed concern that the increase in violence against court officials could lead to corruption and extortion. "The unfortunate truth is that officials might become more susceptible to taking bribes if it means saving their lives and protecting their loved ones. A little envelope to make a case go away might just be the thing to keep the hitmen off your tail," he said.
In another unrelated incident, a prosecutor stationed at the Gqeberha Magistrates Court recently took an extended period of leave after allegedly receiving reports that she was being targeted by suspects awaiting the outcome of their formal bail application.
As investigations into Brown’s murder continue, the legal community and the public are left grappling with the chilling reality that those who serve to protect the justice system are themselves increasingly vulnerable to attack. The urgent need for enhanced security measures and a concerted effort to combat crime in the Eastern Cape has never been clearer.
Follow Us on Twitter
