A 35-year-old attorney, Chinette Gallichan, was shot and killed on Monday morning outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices in Johannesburg’s CBD. Gallichan, who was actively practising in the labour litigation department for Sibanye-Stillwater, was scheduled to attend a hearing at the time of her death.
Details of the Shooting
According to witnesses, the shooting took place at approximately 9:00 am as Gallichan arrived for her hearing. She had just stepped out of her vehicle when an assailant approached and opened fire at close range. The suspect then fled the scene on foot before entering a waiting vehicle and escaping.
Colleagues have expressed shock and sadness following Gallichan’s death. Fellow attorney Jacobus Myburgh said Gallichan had been practising in the labour litigation department at Sibanye-Stillwater, where she was involved in a labour dispute concerning workers who had allegedly been retrenched and were seeking compensation. Early indications from the scene suggest the attack may have been targeted, as none of her belongings were taken.
Gallichan’s Background
Gallichan obtained her LLB from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and later completed a postgraduate diploma in labour law with distinction at the University of Johannesburg. She was a familiar presence in both legal and athletic circles, particularly at the CCMA, where she regularly handled cases related to unpaid wages and unfair dismissal.
Some of her notable cases include:
- Representing workers in labour disputes
- Handling cases related to unpaid wages
- Dealing with unfair dismissal claims
Police have opened a murder case, and investigations are ongoing. The motive behind the killing is still unknown, but it is believed that Gallichan’s work in labour litigation may have played a role.
