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The Public Servants Association (PSA) is concerned about the safety of employees following a shooting incident at the Barberton Magistrates Court on 16 January 2024, resulting in two individuals being shot.
 
This incident occurred during a criminal court case and involved confrontations between two groups of people. At the onset of the altercation, a PSA official called members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for assistance. The situation escalated into gunfire.
 
This is not the first instance of violence at the Barberton Magistrates Courts. A similar incident occurred last week, in which fortunately, no injuries were sustained. On 16 January 2024, only four SAPS members were visible at the Court prior to the shooting incident. After the shooting incident the previous week, SAPS assured Court employees that everything was under control, and that they would be safe.
 
The PSA urges the Department of Justice to immediately enhance security measures at courts in Mpumalanga to prevent such incidents. Offices, premises, and visitors should undergo thorough security checks by trained personnel. The Department of Justice is reminded of its responsibility to provide a safe working environment for employees. Witnessing such traumatic incidents can have a profound impact on employees, and PSA thus requests that the Department to provide a debriefing session through the Employee Wellness Section for all employees who were affected.
 

Issued by PSA