A neighbour has described how the partner of murdered prosecutor Tracy Brown ran over the road with their daughter to get her out of harm’s way before jumping in Brown’s car and racing her to hospital.
New Brighton Magistrate’s Court state prosecutor Tracy Brown was shot dead by four masked men after she arrived at her house in quiet Loton Street, Young Park, on Thursday afternoon.
The resident, who did not want to be named, said when she heard the shots, she told her child to move away from the window.
“Then I looked out myself and saw [Brown’s] partner running across the road with their daughter to the home of another couple.
“He left her inside and then ran back with a man from there.
"[Brown’s] car was parked next to the house, which was where she always parked. The two men jumped in with her and drove her to the hospital.”
Police said on Thursday that Brown was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds, but died on arrival.
Another neighbour, who also asked not to be named, said she heard some bangs but had thought nothing of it.
She said Brown and her partner had lived together with their son, who was in matric, and a daughter, who was in primary school.
“She was a kind person and they were nice people. They were always very quiet.
“This thing makes me worried.”
Detectives arrived at the scene on Friday and were examining the patch of lawn where there was a sprinkling of glass and where it appears Brown pulled up in her Toyota Etios before her assailants opened fire.
A moment of silence was held at New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning but the prosecuting team there referred questions to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
NPA national spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga condemned the incident and said it appeared to have been a hit.
“The NPA condemns the brutal killing of one of its regional court prosecutors on July 31.
“Tracy Brown was shot assassination-style by four armed men in front of her house in Gqeberha, in the presence of her partner and minor child.
“The motive for Ms Brown’s senseless killing is unknown. Her murder is an attack on the rule of law and our tireless efforts to hold criminals accountable.
“The NPA, together with law enforcement, will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this brutal murder are brought to justice.”
Mhaga said the recent killing of prosecutors, who put their lives on the line every day in the pursuance of justice, was deeply disturbing.
The Young Park murder followed on the killing of another prosecutor, Elona Sombulula, from the Ngcobo Magistrates Court, in April.
“To target those who dedicate their lives to upholding the law is to strike at the heart of our constitutional democracy.
“We will not be deterred in our resolve to deliver on our mandate to ensure justice for the people of our country.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ms Brown’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
Justice and constitutional development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned the killing as a barbaric act and urged law enforcement agencies to track down those responsible.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the killing of Ms Brown. These senseless acts of violence against officers of the court are unacceptable.”
Kubayi noted that she had recently briefed MPs on the security measures in place for prosecutors but stressed that these needed to be reviewed and strengthened in collaboration with other stakeholders in the justice and security cluster.
Among the cases Brown prosecuted was the one of Kabega Park police constable Silumko Majola, who was accused of shooting Sinethemba Lamani multiple times after arguing with him in a Zwide township tavern.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali noted that during the trial, which was concluded in July 2022, Majola pleaded not guilty, claiming to have been acting in self-defence.
“That was rejected by the court, as prosecutor Tracy Brown led eyewitness evidence to the contrary. The court agreed with the prosecution and Majola... was sentenced to a collective 24 years in prison.”
According to the Faculty of Advocates website, Brown’s areas of special interest included alternative dispute resolution, children referrals, bankruptcy and insolvency matters and company and commercial law.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the drama on Thursday unfolded after Brown arrived at her home at about 3.30pm.
“While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks stopped in a white VW Polo in the street.
“They got out of the vehicle and multiple shots were fired at her vehicle.
“The deceased was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds but passed away on her arrival.
“The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.”
She said SAPS Algoa Park detectives unit was appealing to anyone who could provide information that could lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects involved in the murder to come forward.
Any person with information could contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans on 083-243-4567, Crime Stop on 08600 1011 or the nearest police station.
The Herald
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