News24 reports that Advocates for Transformation (AFT) have called for urgent security reforms to protect prosecutors, judges and advocates in public or private practice.

This after Gqeberha prosecutor Tracy Brown was gunned down “assassination-style” by four men on Thursday in the presence of her partner and a minor child. Brown’s killing followed the murder of prosecutor Elona Sombulula more than three months ago. Sombulula, who was attached to the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court, was shot dead in Mtentu Village, Mthatha, in late April. Police have yet to make arrests in the murders of Brown and Sombulula. The AFT’s Myron Dewrance SC said Brown’s murder was not an isolated incident and added: “It also comes amid a concerning rise in threats and violence directed at members of the legal profession – both in public service and private practice.” He said the attacks illustrated the growing danger faced by those who upheld the law and challenge criminal impunity and showed a clear pattern to interfere with the administration of justice by eliminating those who have the potential to bring criminal suspects to justice.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)

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