- Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has led the Judiciary in paying tribute after the passing of retired Judge Nare Frans Kgomo.
- Throughout his long career, Judge Kgomo served in several roles within the justice system, including prosecutor, magistrate, legal practitioner, and judge, before retiring in 2022.
- He is remembered for his decades of outstanding service and his unwavering dedication to the administration of justice.
The Judiciary has paid tribute to retired Judge Nare Frans Kgomo, with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya expressing deep sadness at the passing of the former Judge of the High Court in Polokwane.
Speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, Justice Maya extended heartfelt condolences to Judge Kgomo’s family, friends, former colleagues, and everyone who knew and worked with him over his long career in the justice system.
A lifetime dedicated to justice
Judge Kgomo was born on 13 November 1950 and started his legal career with the Department of Justice after completing his studies in 1974. In his early years, he worked in various court-based roles, including as a public prosecutor, sheriff and messenger of the court, court interpreter, and clerk of the court.
He later served as a magistrate for six years before moving into legal practice, gaining experience across different areas of the justice system before being appointed to the Bench.
According to the Judiciary, his journey through these varied roles reflected a lifelong commitment to public service and gave him a wealth of institutional knowledge that enriched his work as a judge.
Service on the High Court Bench
Judge Kgomo was appointed to the High Court in Johannesburg on 1 July 2008. While based in Gauteng, he was often sent to circuit courts in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where he helped administer justice in both provinces.
On 28 November 2016, he was permanently appointed to the High Court in Polokwane, where he served until his retirement on 1 October 2022.
His judicial career lasted more than a decade on the Bench, following many years in court administration, the magistracy, and legal practice.
Judiciary remembers his legacy
In its tribute, the Judiciary said Judge Kgomo would be remembered for his significant contributions to the administration of justice and for the many lives he touched during his distinguished career.
Justice Maya noted that his passing would be deeply felt by members of the Judiciary, the legal profession, court officials, and the wider justice community, honouring a jurist whose life was devoted to serving the people of South Africa.
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