Advocate Malesela Teffo is facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault and theft. Picture: Neil McCartney / The Citizen
Disbarred Advocate Malesela Teffo has refused to cooperate with police, claiming he was “afraid” after allegedly being assaulted by officers.
The 53-year-old Teffo, who was known for his inappropriate statements during the Senzo Meyiwa trial, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after his arrest two days earlier.
He is facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault and theft.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the disbarred advocate allegedly broke into the Protea Towers building, owned by City Property, where he had an office, after he was barred from entering the premises due to outstanding rent fees.
“It is alleged, on 29 July 2023 Teffo went to the said building without permission, with a person from a locksmith. When he arrived, the security officer who was on duty at the reception tried to stop him from entering.
“However, he proceeded and went to his office, where he, together with the person from the locksmith, broke into the office. When another security officer who was on the scene recorded what was happening, it is alleged Teffo assaulted him,” Mahanjana said
Mahanjana said the security officer ran to the police station to report the matter.
“When he returned to the scene, Teffo was already gone and took the door handle with him.”
ALSO READ: WATCH: Disbarred advocate Teffo shows up in court, claims to represent Sifiso Meyiwa
Mahanjana said Teffo is also facing a charge of fraud of R13,000.
“It is alleged, 9 June 2022, the two complainants in the matter approached Teffo for legal assistance. It is alleged Teffo agreed to assist the complainants and asked they make a payment of R6,500 each to his personal account, after which he would then arrange for consultation with them.
“The complainants made the requested payments. However, when they enquired about the consultation, it is alleged Teffo ignored them.
After some time, the complainants reported the matter to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and they were informed Teffo was no longer in practice,” she said.
Mahanjana added after Teffo’s arrest on 1 August 2023, he refused to cooperate with police.
“It was put on record in court that Teffo refused to cooperate with the police and refused to allow them to take his fingerprints for profiling and to give them his personal address. The magistrate made an order that Teffo must cooperate with the state by providing the requested information.”
The matter was postponed to Monday 7 August 2023 for confirmation of his address, profiling and possible bail application.
Teffo was struck off the roll after the LPC received more than 20 complaints of misconduct, assault, and defrauding clients.
ALSO READ: ‘Teffo an embarrassment to legal profession’, says EFF after case opened against Malema
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