End of an era at George Magistrate's Court as two legal stalwarts retire

GEORGE NEWS - It was the end of an era at the George Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 30 April, when two of the region’s most respected legal figures retired after 35 years of dedicated service each under their belt.

Senior Public Prosecutor Muller Redelinghuys and State Advocate MP Heyns bade the courtroom a final farewell.

Emotional scenes unfolded outside the court building as these two stalwarts, dressed in their official robes for the last time, exited the building and walked through a guard of honour formed by magistrates, prosecutors and court staff.

In a moving gesture, the chief prosecutor for the George area, Adv Phumzile Nogonyoti, ceremonially removed their robes, symbolising their retirement from the legal profession.

Adv Nicolette Bell, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, who had travelled to George for the occasion, said for her, these two were synonymous with George.

“They have been here for as long as I can remember. Whenever there was any problem in George and the surrounding areas, you could rely on them for help and support. We will miss you, and it will be difficult to fill your shoes.”

She thanked them for their many years of service and dedication. “You carried out your duties with excellence and integrity.”

Senior Public Prosecutor Muller Redelinghuys, State Advocate MP Heyns, Senior Public Prosecutor Guza Dumisani, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, Adv Nicolette Bell, and the Chief Prosecutor for the George area, Adv Phumzile Nogonyoti. Photos: Lizette da Silva

Magistrates and prosecutors gathered outside the George Magistrate's Court to honour their colleagues after decades of dedicated service to the justice system.

State Advocate MP Heyns and Advocate Evadné Kortje saying their goodbyes.

A guard of honour was formed outside the building as colleagues paid tribute to Senior Public Prosecutor Muller Redelinghuys and State Advocate MP Heyns who is entering retirement after decades of service.