SAPS Algoa Park detectives are appealing to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects involved in the murder of public prosecutor Tracy Brown on July 31 in the Algoa Park policing precinct in Gqeberha.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, it is alleged that at approximately 15:30, a female public prosecutor arrived home in Lotton Street, Young Park. “While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks arrived in a white VW Polo in the street, got out of their vehicle and fired multiple shots at her vehicle.”
She added that the deceased was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds but passed away upon her arrival. The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has learned with deep sadness and outrage of the tragic killing of Regional Court prosecutor Brown, who was attached to the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
This is a heart-breaking incident that comes just months after the fatal shooting of another prosecutor in Mthatha who was based in Ngcobo, also in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister is deeply disturbed that such acts of violence continue to claim the lives of officers of the court, and in her capacity as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and as co-chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, she strongly condemns this barbaric act and has called for urgent action.
“While the motive for this killing is yet to be confirmed, I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist law enforcement authorities in their investigation,” Kubayi said.
Minister Kubayi extends her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Brown.
She further noted that while the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has security and employee assistance measures in place for prosecutors, a matter on which she recently briefed Members of Parliament, there is an urgent need to review and strengthen these measures, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
“These protections 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,” Kubayi added.
The existing policy on prosecutor safety provides for both employee assistance and close protection. However, Minister Kubayi acknowledged that recent events highlight concerning gaps in implementation.
“The death of a prosecutor is one too many,” she said.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that those who serve the justice system are protected and that acts of violence against them are met with the full might of the law.”
Janse Van Rensburg added that any person who could assist police with information in the investigation can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans, on 083 243 4567 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
