A 35-year-old labour law attorney has been confirmed as the victim of a brazen daylight assassination outside the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration offices in Johannesburg’s CBD. Chinette Gallichan, originally from Krugersdorp, was shot and killed on Monday morning in what investigators are treating as a calculated, targeted hit — a case we first reported as a breaking story earlier that day.
The fatal shooting took place at approximately 09:00 at the corner of Fox and Joubert Streets in the Johannesburg Central Business District — a busy, public location where Gallichan had arrived to represent a client in a labour dispute at the CCMA. At the time of her death, she was employed in the labour litigation department of Sibanye-Stillwater, one of South Africa’s largest mining companies.
Targeted Execution Outside CCMA Shocks Johannesburg Legal Community
Eyewitness accounts describe a chilling and swift execution. According to those present at the scene, a male suspect approached Gallichan as she stepped out of her vehicle and shot her at close range before fleeing on foot. The gunman then made his escape in a waiting getaway vehicle, suggesting the attack was meticulously planned in advance.
Critically, none of Gallichan’s belongings were taken, eliminating robbery as a motive and reinforcing the belief among investigators that this was a professional hit directed specifically at her. The nature of the case she was attending — representing a mining company in a retrenchment dispute where workers were seeking compensation payouts — is now a central focus of the police investigation.
The fact that she was shot in full view of the public while on her way to a professional legal appointment has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s legal fraternity. Attorneys across the country are now grappling with an uncomfortable question: how safe are they when simply doing their jobs?
Gallichan was no ordinary legal mind. She held an LLB degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and had further distinguished herself academically by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law with distinction from the University of Johannesburg. Colleagues described her as a familiar and respected presence at the CCMA, where she regularly appeared on behalf of both employees and employers in matters ranging from unpaid wages to unfair dismissals.
Beyond the courtroom and arbitration chambers, Gallichan was equally known for her passion for road running. She and her husband Keegan were proud members of the Run Zone Athletics Club in Northcliff, where they were well-liked figures in the local athletics community. In 2023, she completed the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a time of 4:18:57 — a personal achievement that spoke to her discipline and determination both on and off the track.
Her sudden and violent death has left two communities in mourning simultaneously — the legal profession and the athletics world — both of which have lost a dedicated, vibrant member far too soon. Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues, fellow runners, and members of the public who were moved by the tragic details of her story.
South African Police Service (SAPS) have confirmed that a murder investigation is underway, though no arrests have been made at this stage. Investigators are believed to be reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and following up on leads related to the getaway vehicle and its occupants.
The murder of Chinette Gallichan is a devastating reminder of the very real dangers faced by professionals navigating legally and financially charged environments in South Africa. Until those responsible are brought to justice, her colleagues, family, and the communities she touched will be left searching for answers — and for the peace that comes with accountability.
Rest in peace, Chinette Gallichan.