Pretoria - Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko has paid tribute to the late human rights Judge, Essa Moosa.
Minister Nhleko described him as “a remarkable jurist, statesman and son of the soil who lead from the front with courage and a great sense of integrity”.
Judge Moosa died at his home in Cape Town on Saturday at the age of 81. He was laid to rest in the Muslim cemetery in Mowbray on Sunday evening.
He led the oversight body for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
“I convey my sincere condolences to Judge Moosa’s family and express our gratitude for his selfless service to our beloved nation,” the Minister said on Monday.
Judge Moosa has been hailed by many for his vital role in establishing the country's democracy and fighting the injustices of apartheid.
President Jacob Zuma at the weekend described his passing as an enormous loss to South Africa.
“He was one of our seasoned human rights activists. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Moosa family and relatives. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult period. May his soul rest in peace,” President Zuma said in a statement.
Born and bred in Cape Town, Judge Moosa qualified as a lawyer and was admitted to practice as such by the High Court of South Africa on 1 June 1962.
A committed human rights lawyer, in April 1998 then President Nelson Mandela appointed him as a Judge of the High Court of South Africa based at the High Court in Cape Town.
In 2011 he retired from the bench on reaching the age of 75. - SAnews.gov.za
