Woman Assassinated Outside a Magistrate Court in Cape Town South Africa in Alleged Gang Hit

Edmincha 'Netta' Wildebees was allegedly involved with the Horribles gang

A 25-year-old woman, Edmincha Wildebees — known locally as "Netta" — was fatally shot in broad daylight on Monday, 19 May 2025, outside the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court in South Africa, in what authorities suspect was a gang-related execution gone wrong.

Netta, reportedly linked to the Horribles gang operating in the Kleinvlei area of Eersterivier, was seated in the backseat of a red VW Polo near the court’s parking area when a lone gunman opened fire, striking her multiple times before fleeing the scene. Initial reports suggest the gunman may have intended to target the driver of the vehicle.

Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court, Cape Town, South Africa

Wildebees had recently been arrested on drug-related charges in Kleinvlei and was en route to a court appearance at the time of the shooting. The attack, just behind the Blue Downs police station, has triggered alarm among community members and public safety advocates.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as gunshots echoed through the typically secure court precinct, sending bystanders running for cover.

France Mashaba, Chairperson of the Mfuleni Community Policing Forum (CPF), condemned the shooting and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures around judicial facilities. “We cannot accept this. The problem involves drugs and gangsterism. How can people be killed in front of court buildings? If citizens fear going to court, it undermines the justice system,” he said. He also stressed the need for stronger external security measures, noting that the current protection only covers the interior of court buildings.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila clarified that the shooting did not take place within the court premises but rather in the street behind the court and Mfuleni Police Station.

The woman who was sitting as a backseat passenger was shot dead

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Mfuleni police are investigating the murder. “A 25-year-old female was shot and fatally wounded in Bentley Road, Blue Downs, at around 12pm on Monday. The woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains under investigation.”

While the victim’s identity has not been officially released by authorities, her known affiliations with a local gang and the circumstances of the shooting have sparked speculation that she may have been a significant figure in the region’s drug underworld—or possibly a potential informant.

Social media users were quick to circulate the incident, with confusion initially surrounding whether the shooting occurred outside the court or the nearby police station. It was later confirmed that the attack took place at the rear of the Blue Downs police station.

Rosanne de Kock, Secretary of the Kleinvlei CPF, stated that the organization had no verified details beyond what had been shared publicly on social media.