Tributes pour in for fearless journo Barry Sergeant

Investigative journalist and author Barry Sergeant, best known for his exposés of the Brett Kebble financial crime saga, passed away over the weekend after a battle with cancer.

Sergeant was known for his fearlessness in taking on both political parties, powerful individuals, government and big business.

He was a regular contributor to investigative magazine Noseweek.

W deepest regret I must confirm that dear friend & major #Noseweek contributor #BarrySergeant died on Sat 4Feb. He wld hv been 59 tomorrow

— Martin Welz Noseweek (@Martin_Welz) February 6, 2017

Friend and colleague Aleg Hogg, the founder of Moneyweb and BizNews, wrote in tribute on Monday that “One of journalism’s jewels, Barry Sergeant, has passed away. He spent the last few years of his life farming in the Eastern Free State, battling with cancer which required invasive surgery in 2013 … he was a good friend, but more importantly, one of those more rare of our species, an honourable man … For everyone who believes that democracy relies on the twin pillars of a free press and free courts, his loss is immeasurable.”

Today would have been his birthday.

Many others took to social media to share their memories of Sergeant and express their condolences.

https://twitter.com/Jobza/status/828573326855503872

May #BarrySergeant, whose business card was as extraordinary as he, fly in peace. pic.twitter.com/bdKb4hnauZ

— Stefaans Brümmer (@StefaansB) February 7, 2017

We mourn the loss of investigative journalist @BarrySergeant. He will be greatly missed. RIP Barry

— National Press Club (@npclub) February 6, 2017

#BarrySergeant stood up to the powerful and defended the vulnerable and the ripped-off. Rest In Peace Barry https://t.co/9Vkmn8Bmeb

— Carol Paton (@politicsblahbla) February 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/lunchout2/status/828572677883494400

RIP #BarrySergeant – a master journalist on the most complex of stories. South Africa's media landscape has lost a quiet giant.

— Jonathan Erasmus (@JonathanErasmus) February 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/mokhathi/status/828570463987195904