Philip Johannes Zietsman, b6

On 29 June 1839 PR Nel was provisionally appointed as the first magistrate for Pietermaritzburg.4 Six months later he was succeeded by JP Zietsman who was appointed for a period of one year.5 Zietsman swore an oath in his official capacity on 3 January 1840,6 but applied for resignation five months later in May 18407 after complaints of partiality were received. The complaints concerned the case of one Lingenfelder who had allegedly flouted the laws regarding liquor licences and had then not been prosecuted by Zietsman.8 In his defence, Zietsman pointed out that the matter fell outside his jurisdiction as the events had occurred during a military expedition9 and should therefore have been addressed by the military commander. It is assumed that the matter was settled amicably and unofficially as the matter was not raised again. In any event, Zietsman’s resignation was not seriously considered and was never tabled at the Volksraad; he remained in his position as magistrate until January 184110 and was officially thanked by the Volksraad for his work during his term as magistrate.

In April 1843 former magistrate Zietsman was re-appointed, this time for a term of one year.21 He would receive £100 for his services, with the promise of further remuneration if government finances allowed