The Laudium community continues to mourn the tragic passing of Sheriff Sabeir Ismail, fondly known as Bericks, who left us on 2 December 2025 at the age of 66. A devoted family man, attorney, and respected officer of the court, Sabeir lived a life marked by service, integrity, and compassion.
Sabeir held a post as an esteemed and respected senior Sheriff for the Tshwane South West Higher and Lower Courts. He served with distinction for decades, earning the trust and respect of his peers. He further served as curator and acting Sheriff for the Pretoria Central Higher and Lower Courts service areas. His commitment to justice, faith, and community was unwavering.
Bericks was more than a legal professional – he was a mentor, friend, and pillar of strength to many. His warm demeanor, humility, and generosity touched countless lives.
Born in 1959, Bericks grew up and schooled in Laudium, where he remained deeply connected throughout his life. He studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand, graduating as an attorney in 1983, and went on to establish his own legal practice. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his management of Bericks Café while studying.
A man of faith, Bericks qualified as an Aalim after studying at Darus Salaam Darul Uloom. He donated land for a masjid in Pretoria West – a lasting legacy of service and devotion. He was known for assisting many in the community, embodying the values of kindness and compassion.
His daughter Azraa remembers: "My Dad said to me when I moved away to Dubai 'My little bird got her wings' to which I always told him that he was and would always be the wind beneath them. My father was my hero. I can only hope that my life serves those around me the way his did."
The family recalls: "Dearest Brother, uncle, grand-uncle... our world. Your light has left us, leaving us in an abyss of darkness, gloom, confusion and uncertainty... You were our strength, our hope, our inspiration, our hero and our forever legend."
A nephew shares: "In reflecting on the life of my uncle, Sabeir Ismail, my heart is weighed down by sorrow yet lifted by the profound gratitude I feel for the man he was... He was a mentor who shaped my thinking, a guide who challenged me to grow, and a steady presence who showed me what it truly means to live a life rooted in purpose."
A niece fondly says: “An uncle like no other, he didn’t have to be loud about his love and care, but we knew he was there. He helped shape my career path and gave me something that would allow me to take care of myself forever. He has left me with much appreciation and happy childhood memories.”
A sports enthusiast, Bericks enjoyed squash, tennis, soccer, and Grand Prix racing, often sharing these passions with family and friends. His kindness, sense of humour, and chirpy demeanor brought smiles to those who knew him.
Sabeir is survived by his cherished wife Stephanie, daughter Azraa, son Azhar, son-in-law Nadeem, stepson Namir and his wife Tayyebah, siblings Gafsa, Suraya, Sabeira, Nazren and Rubeina, and a community that loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife, Hawa. His passing leaves a deep void, and he will be dearly missed.
His heart was especially connected to the month of Ramadan, and he found great joy in serving his community. As we remember him, the family asks that those whose lives he touched continue his spirit of generosity and service.
