Renowned criminologist Irma Labuschagne has died, her family said on Thursday.
She died in the Wilgers Hospital in Pretoria of lung cancer at the age of 70.
”It is a very, very sad day,” said advocate Johann Engelbrecht SC, with whom Labuschagne worked on several cases, including that of Skierlik shooter Johan Nel and Najwa Petersen, who killed her entertainer husband, Taliep.
Labuschagne was among the first criminologists to participate in the sentencing process, and on her curriculum vitae names as her mentor South Africa’s world renowned judge, Richard Goldstone.
Labuschagne is survived by her husband, Johannes Jacobus (Lappies) Labuschagne, their son, Pieter, and daughter Marielle.
Funeral details have not yet been finalised. — Sapa