The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) expressed sadness at the passing of its head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme Steven Gruzd, leaving a void at SAIIA and impacting the African policy community, to which he was strongly committed.

Gruzd was reported missing on Friday and subsequently found dead. Five people have been arrested in connection with his murder.

“We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep camaraderie and his gentle spirit. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Steve’s family, friends and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him. May his soul rest in peace,” SAIIA said.

Centre for Social Justice director and Law Trust Research chairperson Professor Thuli Madonsela expressed shock and sadness at Gruzd’s killing, describing him as one of the country’s brilliant minds, democracy builders and champions of a shared humanity approach to social coexistence.