Tribute to Judge Willem van der Linde
JOHANNESBURG – The office of the Chief Justice extends its condolences to the family and friends of the late Judge Willem van der Linde (63).
Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court Dunstan Mlambo, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, has passed his condolences to the family and friends of the late Judge Willem van der Linde, who passed away on 9 November.
“The judges and staff of the Gauteng Division were shocked to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Judge van der Linde. He was a committed jurist, a pillar of strength at the court,” said Mlambo.
Van der Linde was appointed to the High Court in 2015. Before his elevation to the bench, he served as an advocate since 1983 and took silk in 1996. He was a graduate of the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University), where he obtained his LLB and LLM degrees. He had extensive experience as a commercial litigator, including in the specialist areas of insurance and construction-related litigation.
According to the Office of the Chief Justice, as a judicial officer, Van der Linde was well-prepared, someone who listened patiently and politely but also dealt decisively with counsel on both sides appearing before him. “He had a commanding judicial presence and demonstrated an acute grasp of the issues.”
Mlambo added, “Judge van der Linde’s loss will be deeply felt by his colleagues and the staff in the Gauteng Division. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Isabella, his children, family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Details of his funeral will be released in due course.
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