Taxi boss shot dead in Wynberg Magistrates Court, gunman flees from 3rd floor and jumps into getaway car in movie-style (VIDEO)

Cape Town – Chaos and fear gripped the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning as a lone gunman executed a taxi owner in cold blood, highlighting alarming security failures and raising serious questions about witness and accused protection within the justice system. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Dingalomoya Cintso, a taxi owner from Vrygrond, was shot dead opposite the door of the regional magistrate's chambers.

The brazen assassination, which unfolded in a building supposedly teeming with police officers and security guards, saw the assailant flee down three flights of stairs, navigate a security turnstile, and escape in a waiting getaway car, according to police sources.

Initial reports from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) indicated that the victim was a State witness, but this was later corrected. A court source confirmed that Cintso was, in fact, an accused in a murder case linked to extortion in Muizenberg.

Graphic images and video footage of the aftermath quickly circulated on social media, depicting Cintso slumped over a bench in a court hallway, a blood-stained blanket covering his body.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Wynberg police had registered a murder case. "The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation, and arrests are yet to be made," Twigg said.

Adding to the outrage, sources within the police revealed that the metal detector at the court's front entrance was not functioning at the time of the shooting. They believe a woman entered the court with the gun and passed it to the assailant.

Distraught family members who arrived at the court carried away a blood-stained blanket that had been used to cover Cintso. A relative revealed that Cintso had been ambushed outside the same court last year after another appearance, but had escaped unharmed. "We suspect this is connected to the ongoing taxi violence in our area," the relative said.

The Wynberg Community Policing Forum issued an immediate warning to residents to avoid the area, describing it as an "active scene."

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of security protocols at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court, particularly in light of a similar incident last year. Christine Gumira was murdered on 25 May 2023 as she was leaving the court, captured on CCTV footage being shot in the head by a man who approached her from behind. Three people were arrested in that case. Christine Gumira was a 30-year-old Zimbabwean maid who witnessed her friend's murder in 2018.

Defence lawyer William Booth, chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa's Criminal Law Committee, expressed his deep concern. "The security guards should have been more vigilant because this has happened before," Booth said. "The security at most courts around the country is a problem. I have raised this in meetings with all the role players, but it has not been resolved. The security equipment in most courts is not working." Booth also highlighted the lack of safety on the pavements leading to the building.

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais condemned the ease with which the firearm was brought into the courthouse. "It is unacceptable that someone could enter a court with a gun," Marais said. "This highlights the urgent need for tighter firearm and ammunition control. I urge SAPS (South African Police Service) to act swiftly and bring the suspect to justice."

Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, said Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi was concerned that such incidents could deter witnesses from successfully assisting the State in prosecuting cases. "The minister has committed to engaging with the judiciary to explore mechanisms for better protecting witnesses. One option under consideration is the expanded use of technology, such as virtual remote testimony, to enhance witness safety while still ensuring that justice is served."

The police are continuing their search for the suspects.

The shooting also sheds light on the ongoing taxi violence and extortion rackets plaguing the Vrygrond area, where Cintso operated. News24 has previously reported on violent clashes between taxi operators and members of the Junky Funky Kids (JFK) gang. The violence is believed to have escalated following the murder of suspected JFK leader Ashley "Essie" Phillips in Brackenfell on 30 January.

Local ward councillor Mandy Marr confirmed that violence had escalated since Phillips' death, with allegations that some taxi operators were attempting to take over his extortion networks. "It all started with Essie's murder," said Marr. "There's some indication that taxi operators may have been involved (in his killing). Certain people are allegedly trying to claim the extortion rackets Essie controlled."

The December killing of a 16-year-old boy had already forced the suspension of taxi operations in the area.