Authorities suspect gang retaliation after a taxi operator was gunned down inside Wynberg Regional Court; second suspect arrested as police hunt for four more.
The shocking fatal court shooting that occurred inside the Wynberg Regional Court last week has officially been declared a revenge murder by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with connections to the notorious Junky Funky Kids (JFK) gang. As investigations unfold, a second suspect has been arrested, and the police are actively pursuing four more individuals linked to the crime.
Mastermind Identified and Arrested
On Sunday, members of the SAPS Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Detectives arrested 35-year-old Shireen Matthews, believed to be the orchestrator behind the assassination of a 50-year-old Vrygrond taxi operator. The victim was gunned down inside the courthouse on Tuesday, 8 April, while attending a session related to a murder case in which he was the accused.
Matthews made her first court appearance on Monday, with NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirming that the case has been postponed to 23 April to allow for further evidence gathering and case scheduling.
“We believe that at this stage it’s a Schedule 6 [offence],” said Ntabazalila. “It looks like it’s a revenge murder related to the assassination of another gang member last year.”
Matthews allegedly recruited members of the JFK gang to carry out the killing, pointing to deep-seated gang rivalry as the motive behind the attack.
READ: Taxi Violence in Gauteng Claims 30 Lives in March, Reveals Premier Lesufi at Policing Summit
Four Suspects Still on the Run
In a media briefing, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection Bongani Maqashalala announced the arrest of a second unnamed suspect. Police have identified four more individuals believed to be involved and are actively pursuing them.
“We are following them,” said Maqashalala. “They are known, and our investigators are on their trail.”
Due to the ongoing threat, security has been ramped up at Wynberg Regional Court. SAPS’ crime intelligence division is conducting a threat assessment, and further coordination with the Department of Justice is underway to improve court access control.
Gang Violence Spills into Vrygrond
The violence isn’t isolated to the courthouse. The conflict between local taxi operators and the JFK gang has intensified in Vrygrond. Police deployments in the area have been increased, and several firearms have been recovered.
“I cannot give the exact number of casualties at this time,” Maqashalala added. “But reports suggest over 10 individuals have been killed in recent weeks.”
The spike in violence follows the 30 January assassination of JFK gang leader Ashley “Essie” Phillips, who was gunned down on his way to report for parole at Brackenfell Police Station. His death is believed to have ignited a series of retaliatory attacks.
Courtroom Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident raises pressing questions about courtroom security in South Africa. The shooting, which happened within a secured legal facility, sent shockwaves across the country and has led to urgent calls for improved safety protocols.
Graphic images of the slain man circulated widely on social media, adding to public outrage and demanding accountability from justice and law enforcement authorities.
With tensions still high in Vrygrond and more suspects on the run, the Wynberg court murder highlights the deadly intersection of gang warfare, taxi industry disputes, and gaps in courtroom security. The next key development is set for 23 April, when Matthews returns to court for her bail hearing.
Also read: Taxi Violence: Gauteng Taxi Turf War Turns Deadly – 59 Killed in 2025 as Licence Crackdown Looms
