President Jacob Zuma has expressed his sadness and extended heartfelt condolences on the death of “seasoned former judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa” and former human rights lawyer Essa Moosa, who died yesterday at his home in Cape Town.
Moosa died peacefully just after 11am yesterday after a short illness, a family spokesperson confirmed. He was 81.
“We have learned with sadness the passing of one for the country’s renowned human rights activists and former judge of the Supreme Court honourable judge Moosa," Zuma said.
“His passing is an enormous loss to South Africa of one 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.”
Moosa hailed from District Six in Cape Town.
Moosa would be remembered for his immense contribution in promoting and protecting human rights during his tenure as “Supreme Court judge” as well as the founding and executive member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers where he chaired its human rights committee.
Moosa was laid to rest in Mowbray yesterday afternoon according to Muslim rites.
He retired as a judge of the Western Cape High Court in 2011.
In 2013 he was appointed head of a unit that would investigate complaints against members of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations, better known as the Hawks.