Public prosecutor Tracy Brown gunned down in front of family, raising alarm over legal safety

The shooting murder of a female public prosecutor in front of her child and partner has been described as an attack on the rule of law. 

Tracy Brown, a regional court prosecutor, was shot and killed in front of her house at Lotton Street, Young Park in Gqeberha on Thursday after four men alighted from a white Polo vehicle and fired multiple shots at her vehicle.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, said they condemned the killing, of which the motive is not yet known. 

Mhaga said: “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 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.

“The recent killing of prosecutors, who put their lives on the line every day in the pursuit of justice, is deeply disturbing. This murder follows the merciless killing of another prosecutor, Elona Sombulula, from the Engcobo Magistrate’s Court in April this year,” said Mhaga.

He added that prosecutors take on their duties with courage and a deep commitment to serving the people, “often at great personal risk”. 

“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 Brown’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time,” said Mhaga.

On Thursday, police appealed for the public to come forward with information relating to the brazen murder, which occurred in the Algoa Park policing precinct at 3.30pm. 

SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said: “While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks stopped with 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 the hospital with gunshot wounds but passed away upon arrival. The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.” 

Any person who could assist police with information in the investigation can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans, on 083 243 4567 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.  Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App. 

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za