- Lawrence Moffitt, a respected attorney known for his passion for justice and eccentric charisma, passed away after a battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his family, friends, and community.
- His daughter Tara, who followed in his legal footsteps, highlighted his commitment as a single father and his larger-than-life presence in the legal profession.
- Moffitt’s colleagues and friends, including Sergeant Norman Ngonelo, remembered him as a formidable yet compassionate figure who will be deeply missed.
“Passion for justice, eccentric charisma and unyielding love for his family, friends, colleagues and the broader community whom he tirelessly represented.”
This, according to a relative, is the legacy one of the Helderberg’s most respected attorneys, Lawrence Moffitt, leaves behind following a valiant battle with colon cancer.
He died in the presence of his loved ones last Tuesday (8 October), exactly a week after his 67th birthday.
“It is with immense sorrow that we reflect on the passing of Lawrence Shaw Moffitt, whose presence loomed large within the legal profession and the lives of those around him,” the relative said in a heart-warming tribute shared with the publication.
“Moffitt was a man of many facets. To some, he was a steadfast attorney, fiercely defending their innocence and often affectionately referred to as ‘Pa’, ‘Prokureur Moffitt’ or ‘Judge Moffitt’ by his clients of diverse backgrounds.”
Among the tributes paid were fond memories shared by Alderman Stuart Pringle, a longstanding councillor and chairperson of the City of Cape Town’s Subcouncil 5, who remembered Moffitt as a very direct guiding figure from their first meeting at the law firm Morkel and De Villiers.
Pringle honoured the law firm’s former director for his commanding and almost theatrical presence in court, which made him a legendary figure especially admired by candidate attorneys.
Known for his eccentricities, such as an untucked shirt, wild hair and occasionally borrowed ties, Moffitt was unapologetically himself. His passion for justice and fairness drove him to work tirelessly for his clients. “Moffitt didn’t just walk into a room. He swaggered, leaving a trail of anecdotes and the faint smell of cigarettes in his wake. He tackled complex cases with the enthusiasm of a man who saw the law not merely as a profession but a calling.”
History
Moffitt joined the provincial Attorneys General, predecessor of the National Prosecuting Authority, in the 1980s, his first prosecuting post at the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court. Afterwards, he served the Attorney General’s Office (now Director of Public Prosecutions) as a High Court advocate until he left the Department of Justice to join the Western Cape Law Society in 1995.
He practised as a defence attorney from 1995 until he was diagnosed with cancer in June 2022. Afterwards he made the odd appearance in court to assist, but never returned to work full-time.
According to Moffitt’s daughter Tara, who followed in her father’s footsteps, he lived for his work and his children, the latter his foremost priority. “The general person does not know this, but he raised two children as a single father from the year 2000 and still never missed one sports match of either mine or my brother’s.”
Tara inherently shares her father’s passion for the legal field, and as a young child she would ask many questions about his cases. He, however, did not want her to pursue a career in the legal field, and encouraged her to complete her BComm Honours at Stellenbosch University.
However, determined not to give up on her legal dream, Tara went against his wishes and acquired her law degree through the University of South Africa part-time. She then commenced serving her articles in January 2017 under his guidance at Moffitt Attorneys, which he operated as a sole proprietor.
“It quickly became a forgone conclusion that at some point I would succeed him at the practice. Moffitt Attorneys Incorporated was established by me as sole director and shareholder in July 2022, following his diagnosis to ensure practice continuity.”
Tara paid tribute to her father’s hard and somewhat abrasive personality, which often masked his compassion and sympathy, and guarded his heart, which was one of gold. This was evident in the way he conducted himself, especially in court. “He was one of the rare attorneys who practised with heart, irrespective of the circumstances.”
She said he was a larger-than-life legal professional who dedicated his life to serving others and was a devoted father.
Tara shared that her father was also a classic car and Mini Cooper enthusiast, as well as an avid Arsenal supporter – a true “Gunner”.
Asked to share her most cherished memory of him, Tara considered it an impossible task to single out one of the many endearing memories she dearly treasures.
Legendary lawman
A decorated detective stationed at Macassar Police Station, Sergeant Norman Ngonelo, shared he had met Moffitt as a legendary lawman known as “Mr Moffit” when he joined the force as a police officer two decades ago.
He helped mould Ngonelo into the seasoned investigating officer he is today.
“We would argue and go to war like arch enemies in court, but be the best of friends outside of the ‘legal arena’. He was a good man and respected law professional,” Ngonelo related.
“He will be sorely missed by members of the police and the broader community. May his soul rest in peace.”
Moffitt is survived by his daughter Tara, son Nicholas, daughter-in-law Cassandra, partner of 13 years Ursula von Zweel, two brothers and their extended families.
A memorial service in honour of Moffitt and his life, memory and contribution to justice will be held on Saturday 16 November.
The venue for the service will be confirmed at a later stage.
Attending police officers are requested to be dressed in full uniform, with legal professionals in full court attire.
