Untimely passing of Regional Court Magistrate and Acting Judge Ms Mamello Thamae

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) is saddened by the news of Regional Court Magistrate and Acting Judge Ms Mamello Thamae’s untimely death. We echo the sentiments of the various institutions that have condemned the unnecessary loss of a judicial officer. As our country struggles with access to justice, the loss of an experienced magistrate cannot be afforded.

Ms Thamae was very involved in the training she conducted for the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEi) and the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) – Free State Legal Education and Research. She was also a part of the BLA – FS Judicial Services Committee. She was committed and active in the organised legal profession for many years.

We note that the most vulnerable members of our society experience justice in the magistrates’ courts. The magistrates’ courts are at the forefront of dispensing justice to victims of gender-based violence, therefore, the impact on society as a whole is even more pernicious.

President of the LSSA, Eunice Masipa, noted the statement made by Dr. Olive Shisana, Co-Chair of the Presidential Summit Planning Committee, at the second Presidential Summit on Gender-based Violence and Femicide, ‘As a country, we must double our efforts to prevent and respond to GBVF and hold each other accountable to implement the NSP. As a Planning Committee for the Summit, we are working hard to prepare for all to account for commitments made and accelerate and amplify implementation’. Ms Thamae’s family, colleagues and the country have been deprived of a woman of strength, committed to making South Africa a better place. The LSSA shares the despair of everyone who loved and admired her. Ms Masipa has applauded the authorities on their quick response in bringing the culprit to justice.

This incident highlights the serious problem of femicide and gender violence, and we stand by the women of our country.

The LSSA brings together the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and independent attorneys in representing the attorneys’ profession in South Africa.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA,

Ms Eunice Masipa

LSSA Communications Manager:

Mapula Oliphant

Tel: (012) 366 8808

Cell: 076 026 5997