By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1. Mokgoro, who was an esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said in recognition of Mokgoro’s distinguished career and contribution to the nation, Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
“The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country from 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 23 May 2024.
“Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course. Mokgoro was one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994. She was also the first black woman judge of the apex court,” he said.
Magwenya further said during Mokgoro’s legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He added that she was a member of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association.
“In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” said Magwenya.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape said Mokgoro’s partner, David Mmelesi might face charges of culpable homicide. This comes after she was horribly injured in a car accident near Warrenton in Northern Cape last year.
This forced her to withdraw from any public engagement to focus on her recovery. However, she passed away recently and Mmelesi, who was allegedly the driver during a car crash, was charged for reckless and negligent driving.
Mmelesi is currently out on warning.
The NPA spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “He is criminally charged and facing one count of reckless and negligent driving. There is a possibility of amending his charges to culpable homicide following the death of the judge.
“The accused will be back in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on 30 May 2024. Mmelesi briefly appeared on a J175 and is currently on warning.”
TaungDailyNews 