RELATIVES of Judge Ntobeko Maqubela, who was found dead two weeks ago, say they believe he was murdered by "someone very close to him".

RELATIVES of Judge Ntobeko Maqubela, who was found dead two weeks ago, say they believe he was murdered by "someone very close to him".

Family members are convinced that because of the tight security at the judge's home in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, those who accessed it needed permission from within. So whoever killed him was someone who knew him very well, they reason.

A close relative, who asked not to be named, told Sowetan on Saturday that CCTV cameras at the apartment showed two people walking in and out of the apartment. There are also claims that neighbours heard a struggle and unusual sounds coming from Maqubela's apartment.

"The person was driven by emotion. It was a well-calculated act so that no one would be suspicious, and that he is found days later," said a woman relative at the funeralservice.

Sowetan has learnt that Maqubela had bled profusely and the sheets, bed and the pillow were drenched in blood.

Meanwhile, friends, colleagues local chiefs and family members came from as far as Swaziland and the UK to bid farewell to their late friend, comrade and father.

Among them were Chief Phatekile Holomisa, Chief Justice Pius Langa, Dumisa Ntsebeza, Bulelani Ngcuka and his wife Phumzile, Stone Sizani, Saki Macozoma, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kievit, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and his wife Bridgette.

The judge was buried in his hometown of Qumbu in Eastern Cape on Saturday.