The death of a Bronkhorstspruit magistrate may have been a deliberate killing, says the National Prosecuting Authority.
Chief prosecutor Matric Luphondo said on Wednesday other justice officials had since received threatening messages.
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Prosecutors at the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court got written threats after Victor Mabunda was killed in his driveway in Bronkhorstspruit.
Mabunda has been working at the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court since 2000 and was known for his firm stance on the law.
Luphondo said: “Shortly after magistrate Victor Mabunda’s murder, some of the prosecutors with whom he was handling cases with received threats,” he said.
Lupondo spoke at the slain magistrate’s memorial service in Bronkhorstsruit.
“At the time the threats were received, we had to call one of the prosecutors he was working very close with to warn him,” Lupondo said.
“This is a threat to justice.”
Mabunda was shot four times outside his home in Bronkhorstspruit on 10 January.
A witness reported seeing a green Toyota Rav4 leave the scene and according to the police nothing was stolen from the victim.
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Police said they would investigate links to cases the magistrate was working on and inspect CCTV footage from neighbouring businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the police, Lt-Col Maqhawe Dladla said criminal justice was under threat.
“The police themselves receive threats on a daily basis. We have even developed a thick skin,” he said.
“But threats must be dealt with.”
Mabunda was described as a strict person of, who had integrity and never compromised his values.
A friend, Joe Lukhele, said: “He and I were friends, but our friendship stood at the door where justice was concerned.”
Cosatu’s Nketsina Mokoena urged the justice department to beef up security for judges handling high-profile cases.
Lupondo said the NPA would seek to appoint some of its best prosecutors to handle the murder case.
Mabunda would be buried on Saturday at his birthplace of Zava village in Limpopo.
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