Wynberg – Abubaker Adams, the alleged triggerman in the brazen shooting at Wynberg Regional Court earlier this month, has been remanded in custody while awaiting the appointment of a lawyer. The 24-year-old, who sources claim is a high-ranking "captain" in the Junky Funky Kidz gang from Steenberg, made his first appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The case has also been postponed for two weeks, until May 9, 2025, to allow Adams to secure legal representation. Magistrate Sibongiseni Mtwana ordered that both Adams and Matthews remain in custody until then. A formal bail hearing for both Adams and Matthews has been scheduled for 29 May and 6 June.
Legal Aid Conflict of Interest
During court proceedings, Adams informed the Magistrate of his intention to apply for a Legal Aid lawyer. However, the Legal Aid lawyer present in court indicated that she could not represent him due to a conflict of interest.
The attorney said: "Your worship due to the fact that I was in the building on the day of the incident I have been instructed that Legal Aid will appoint a Judicare representative."
The Legal Aid board has since applied for a private legal practitioner, through Judicare, to represent Adams.
Chintso's Murder and Gang Links
At the time of the shooting, an eyewitness reported that a lone gunman, dressed in a maroon T-shirt and a black beanie, approached Chintso and fired four shots at his head with a firearm taken from a sling bag.
Panic ensued as people feared the gunman was still roaming the court corridors. Sources revealed that the victim was a person of interest in the murder of slain Junky Funky gang boss Ashley "Essie" Phillips, who was shot outside Brackenfell Police Station earlier this year.
The NPA also refuted claims that Chintso was a State witness, clarifying that he was appearing on murder charges himself.
Alleged Mastermind and Revenge Plot
Several days after the shooting, Shireen Matthews, 35, was arrested in connection with the murder. She is alleged to have orchestrated the revenge hit.
Adams is now set to appear alongside Matthews in the same court building, where she is facing charges related to Chintso's murder.
Police Investigation and Imminent Arrests
Western Cape SAPS management expressed confidence in the team of investigators as the investigation unfolds.
"It is expected that the investigation will determine the motive for the murder."
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said more arrests are imminent as the investigators continue the probe.
"The investigation commenced after a brazen shooting incident on Tuesday, 08 April 2025, where a 50-year-old man was shot and killed at the Wynberg Regional Court. Since the shooting incident, the investigators worked around the clock in search of the perpetrators."
Court Appearance and Postponement
Adams made his first appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where the state prosecutor, Advocate Christiaan de Jongh, informed the court that Adams had been identified as one of two shooters.
During court proceedings Adams told the Magistrate that he would be applying for a Legal Aid lawyer but the lawyer present in court said she could not defend him.
The case has been postponed to Wednesday for Adams to appear alongside Matthews.
Formal Bail Hearing Set
A formal bail hearing for Adams and the alleged mastermind, Shireen Mathews, has been set down for 29 May and 6 June. The community awaits further developments in this high-profile case, which has exposed the reach of gang violence into the very heart of the justice system.
