Respected rights lawyer dies tragically

The death of a human rights lawyer has shone the spotlight on the increase in collisions that come as a result of trucking accidents. John Wills (66) was killed in a multiple-truck collision on Tuesday on the N2/M41 interchange in Umhlanga. Wills served as an advisor to three former KwaZulu-Natal Premiers until his retirement in May 2019, when he asked to be released to return to private legal practice. He also made his mark when he represented the Bhangazi Community in settling the Eastern Shores St Lucia Land Claim, years in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission acting for parties who fought apartheid and worked with the government in creating conditions to reduce violence in the taxi industry. Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Thabani Mdlalose, Mayor of Mandeni Local Municipality, said he was saddened by Wills’ death. ‘I was just reflecting with some mates of mine about this gentleman and of just how helpful he was. Many people went to him for assistance because they knew for sure that he would do his utmost best to represent them well,’ he said. Mdlalose said Wills played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle, particularly in the build-up to the 1994 elections. ‘He represented families who were affected by the violence and others who were abused by the apartheid police,’ said Mdlalose. He described Wills as humble and honest and said he played a major role in contributing to the case laws and SA’s legal systems.