KILLED lawyer identified.
The lawyer who was gunned down outside the CCMA offices in Joburg on Monday, 23 March has been identified as Chinette Gallichan.
According to reports, Chinette was allegedly working on a case involving alleged unfair dismissal of miners at the time of her untimely death.
According to reports, Chinette had just parked her vehicle and was walking to a scheduled hearing at the CCMA when she was shot and killed.
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has expressed shock and strongly condemned her murder, saying it's a serious blow to the justice system.
"Violence against legal practitioners strikes at the very heart of the rule of law and undermines the administration of justice in South Africa. Legal practitioners must be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence," said the society.
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LSSA president Nkosana Mvundlela called on authorities to act swiftly.
"We call on law enforcement authorities to prioritise this investigation and ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. The safety and security of all officers of the court are non-negotiable in a constitutional democracy," he said.
The society extended condolences to Chinette's family, colleagues and the broader legal fraternity.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi also condemned the killing.
Kubayi said Chinette was a legal practitioner attached to Sibanye-Stillwater's legal team and was involved in a labour dispute at the time of her death.
"The justice system exists to provide lawful, fair and structured mechanisms for resolving disputes. We urge all individuals and parties to reject violence and place their trust in legal processes and institutions," said Kubayi.
She warned that attacks on legal practitioners threaten the country's democracy.
"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.
Police have opened an investigation. No arrests have been made.
