35-year-old lawyer Chinette Gallichan was shot dead in the Johannesburg CBD.
Image: FACEBOOK
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has condemned the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old lawyer in Johannesburg’s CBD, describing the incident as a direct threat to South Africa’s constitutional order.
The victim, Chinette Gallichan, was shot on Monday morning near the corner of Fox and Joubert streets, outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices. Police said the suspect approached Gallichan as she exited her vehicle, opened fire at close range, and then fled on foot before escaping in a waiting car. No arrests have been made.
According to the ministry, Gallichan was a legal practitioner attached to Sibanye-Stillwater’s legal team and was involved in a labour dispute at the time of her death. Early indications suggest the attack may have been targeted, as none of her belongings were taken.
Minister Kubayi expressed shock at the killing, emphasising the critical role of legal practitioners in maintaining access to justice. “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,” she said.
Kubayi further warned that such attacks undermine the country’s legal framework and democratic foundations. “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 stated.
The minister urged law enforcement to act swiftly and decisively. “Violence against any person will not be tolerated, particularly when it targets members of the legal profession and results in loss of life,” Kubayi said, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation.
Tributes have poured in for Gallichan. The Run Zone Athletics Club, of which she was a member, said in a social media post: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of the life of one of our members, Chinette Gallichan. You are gone way too soon. We will miss you dearly.”
Colleagues described Gallichan as a familiar and respected presence in both legal and athletic circles. Fellow attorney Jacobus Myburgh said she was practising in the labour litigation department at Sibanye-Stillwater, handling cases related to unfair dismissals and unpaid wages.
Gallichan earned her LLB from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and a postgraduate diploma in labour law with distinction from the University of Johannesburg. She had regularly appeared at the CCMA, where her work had helped workers seek compensation in labour disputes.
Police have opened a murder investigation, and inquiries are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the suspect to come forward.
DAILY NEWS