A very belated apology to George Bizos. George was our counsel in a joint inquest enquiry into the deaths of 45 miners in a coal dust explosion at Sasol’s Middelbult mine in the Secunda Regional Court. This was in the early 90’s on a hot midsummer afternoon.
It was day two of George’s cross examination of the mine manager. George was a lethal cross examiner, slow and methodical, he took nothing for granted. His questions were always short and simple. He was endlessly patient as he drilled down layer by layer for the truth.
The questioning had been going on for hours. I was seated just behind George who was standing at the bar, leaning on the lectern. His imposing bulk shielded me from the sight of the presiding magistrate and the assessors. I began to nod off in the stifling heat.
I was shaken awake by my own sudden, violent fart that reverberated through the somnolent court room, people bounced out of their chairs. I sunk lower in my seat to hide my shame. I glanced towards the packed public gallery, to man they were staring at George, their mouths agape.
George didn’t flinch, he didn’t look back at me with opprobrium, he continued as if nothing had happened, and so I escaped my disgrace. He assumed the burden of my shame.
George was a great lawyer and an even greater human being.
My belated but sincere apologies George.
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