A fond farewell

Thabazimbi/ Northam – With a heavy heart the community of Thabazimbi and Northam bids farewell to the well-loved magistrate Petrus Khuduge. Serving the community for the past four years and ten months, he said his final goodbyes on Wednesday, 28 February.

Khuduge began his career in law as a prosecutor in 1987 and then filled the roll of magistrate since 1999. Khuduge will now work as an advocate for attorneys.

Says magistrate Petrus Khuduge in an interview with the Platinum Bushvelder newspaper: “I loved the role I played as a magistrate in the wonderful town of Thabazimbi. My time here will always be a fond memory. I never really had hardened criminals brought before me; most of the cases were family related matters.” 

Khuduge added: “The most bizarre case that was brought before me was of a woman who had driven over a man’s leg and then proceeded to reverse back over the man’s leg. This led me to hand down a sentence of two years’ imprisonment, the woman appealed my judgement and the case continues.”

André van der Walt, lawyer and chairperson of Thabazimbi and Northam’s Lawyers Circle, said: “It is always a great loss to lose a magistrate with qualities such as yours, with your valued contribution to the legal profession and community of Thabazimbi. Your exceptional way of applying the Audi alteram partem principle was appreciated and respected by all. Your fair and reasonable judgements and sentences will always be remembered.

With a sharp sense of humour, you always reminded attorneys of their positions and demanded that they act accordingly. We will truly be a poorer community for losing a person of your stature. May your days be blessed and filled with good health and happiness.”