Lawyer Mvuseni Ngubane's death was a loss is not only for his family but the entire legal profession and the country, President Jacob Zuma said in Durban on Friday.
“Ngubane played a key role in the resolution of conflicts in the taxi industry which 1/8had 3/8 led to the deaths of many people in KwaZulu-Natal,” Zuma said at Ngubane's funeral.
“He will be remembered as a mediator par-excellence, who had insight into conflict resolution.”
Ngubane was found shot in his head at his home in Pinetown on Saturday. Police found a pistol and a suicide note next to the body.
Zuma said that after the country adopted the Constitution in 1996, Ngubane availed his services to about 150 families for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings.
“He was therefore contributing in many ways to peace, democracy and the rule of law in this country. He was man who was ready to serve when called upon.”
Zuma told mourners that he saw Ngubane on the morning of the day he died, and he had not shown any signs that he was contemplating suicide.
“He was his usual self, jolly and laughing. If there is anyone who owes Ngubane something it would be me, because he has given me free legal advice in the past.”
Zuma described Ngubane as humble, “a bright legal mind who was versatile and could deal with any issues.”
Ngubane was appointed secretary of the arms deal commission a few months ago.
“He would have handled this assignment as diligently as all other assignments he had been given,” said Zuma.
“Advocate Ngubane was a gentleman and a true patriot, a dedicated legal practitioner who used his expertise to make a difference in the lives of many, and to take forward the transformation of our country.”
Hundreds of people gathered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre to pay their last respects to Ngubane.
They included former chief justices Pius Langa and Sandile Ngcobo, and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.
Ngubane handled high profile cases including that of convicted drug dealer Cheryl Cwele, the wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
He served on several boards and committees. He was a former president of the Black Lawyers' Association and chaired the Law Society of SA.
He is survived by his mother, his wife, two children, and three siblings. - Sapa