Johannesburg – South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has spoken out following the fatal shooting of a lawyer in central Johannesburg, describing the incident as a serious attack on the rule of law.
The killing took place on Monday, March 23, 2026, near the offices of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration at the corner of Fox and Joubert Streets in the Johannesburg CBD. Authorities believe the murder was a targeted hit.
Gauteng police have since launched a manhunt for two suspects linked to the shooting. 
Reports indicate that the victim was a legal practitioner attached to Sibanye Stillwater and was involved in a labour dispute on behalf of the company at the time of her death.
Through her spokesperson Terrance Manase, Kubayi expressed shock at the incident. “Minister Kubayi emphasised that violence can never be accepted as a means of resolving disputes and reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“The Minister further stated that violence against any person will not be tolerated, particularly when it targets members of the legal profession and results in loss of life,” said Manase.
Kubayi said the justice system exists to provide lawful, fair and structured processes for resolving disputes. “We urge all individuals and parties to reject violence and place their trust in legal processes and institutions.
“An attack of this nature undermines the rule of law and threatens the very foundation of our constitutional democracy. Legal practitioners play a critical role in ensuring access to justice, and their safety must be safeguarded at all times,” she said.
The minister has called on law enforcement agencies to act quickly in apprehending those responsible. She urged authorities to “act swiftly and decisively to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, in line with due process.”
Kubayi also conveyed her condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues in the legal profession and others affected by the killing.
