Judge Skweyiya's death sad - justice minister

Durban - Judge Thembile Lewis Skweyiya has died, Justice and Correctional Service Minister Michael Masutha said on Tuesday.

Masutha said Skweyiya died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues... Judge Skweyiya was a brilliant jurist, whose legal expertise helped in shaping the jurisprudential elements in the justice system," said Masutha.

Masutha said President Jacob Zuma appointed Skweyiya as Inspecting Judge of Correctional Services for a period of three years with effect from May 1 2015.

"In a short space of time the Honourable Justice Skweyiya displayed enthusiasm and dedication in discharging this very important responsibility for our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during these difficult moments," said Masutha.

Masutha said Judge Skweyiya retired from the Constitutional Court in May last year.