Sheriff board calls for swift action against “targeted attacks”

The South African Board for Sheriffs has called on the ministers of Justice and Constitutional Development and Police to investigate “targeted attacks” on sheriffs in the country.

This after the murder of Secunda sheriff, Andrew Shabalala, last week.

“This tragedy comes in the wake of the recent loss of another colleague, the late Mr Thapelo Mojapelo [Acting Sheriff Giyani], and the attempted assassination of Mr Pramodh Ora [Acting Sheriff Vanderbijlpark] mere months ago. These incidents mark a deeply troubling and escalating trend of targeted violence against Sheriffs in the execution of their lawful duties.

“We call urgently upon the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Police to intervene decisively and work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to investigate the origins of these targeted attacks. While the full circumstances remain under investigation, it is clear that both Mr Mojapelo and Mr Shabalala were assassinated while carrying out their duties as Sheriffs of the court,” the board said in a statement.

The board added that it will “urgently consider” measures to “enhance the safety and security of Sheriffs in the execution of their responsibilities”.

“These measures may include, but are not limited to, the special dispensation for training and expedited application and authorisation of firearms for Sheriffs and their deputies; the mandatory presence of South African Police Service members at high–risk duties, such as auctions and evictions; urgent review of the Regulations to the Sheriffs Act to provide for cover for personal risk for death and injuries sustained by Sheriffs or their deputies in the line of duty; and the establishment of a compensation or pension or group provident fund for Sheriffs.

“The escalation of this violence is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” the statement read.

The board noted that it is aware of unlawful elements “operating within or around Sheriffs’ offices”.

“This, in itself, constitutes a serious criminal offence. However, the targeted killing of officers of the court in pursuit of such criminal agendas represents a direct attack on the rule of law and must be met with the full force of justice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assure them that the South African Board for Sheriffs, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and held accountable,” the statement concluded.