Johannesburg: Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has condemned the killing of insolvency lawyer, Bouwer van Niekerk. The lawyer was shot at his Johannesburg-based offices on Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister extended her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. van Niekerk during this difficult time. Mr. van Niekerk worked on many matters, and there is no indication yet of what could have led to this crime. The Minister appreciates that a full investigation is underway and wishes to reiterate that the investigation must speedily deal with the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to book, in order to restore faith in our laws and law enforcement officers, the department said in a statement.
News of Van Niekerk’s death came on the same day that a man was fatally shot outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. It also comes after the murders-in separate incidents-of two prosecutors in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister strongly condemns these senseless acts of violence, particularly attacks directed at members of the legal profession who play a vital role in upholding justice and the rule of law. The Minister calls on anyone with information on the two incidents to come forward and assist the South African Police Service, the department said.