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WATCH: Disbarred advocate Teffo shows up in court, claims to represent Sifiso Meyiwa
Judge Maumela told Teffo that addressing the court was unnecessary, but Teffo persisted in speaking over the judge and disregarded his instructions.
Picture File: Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo at the Pretoria High Court during the murder trial of Senzo Meyiwa, 12 July 2022, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
The controversial disbarred advocate, Malesela Teffo, reemerged in the murder trial of the five men accused of the killing of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa.
Senzo Meyiwa murder trial
The trial resumed on Wednesday at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, where Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela presided. The judge is expected to deliver a ruling on the state’s application to prevent the media from live broadcasting the testimony of their upcoming witnesses.
The unidentified witness, described as a public figure, was present on the day when the soccer star was fatally shot in October 2014. The incident occurred at the home of his former lover, musician Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.
ALSO READ: Witness in Meyiwa trial raises objection to live media broadcast of proceedings
The woman is asking the court to prohibit the live broadcast of her audio or visuals, expressing concerns about potential public ridicule and harm to her reputation as well as her singing career.
The defence counsel is challenging the state’s application and criticising the witness’s reasons as “flimsy” due to the fact that she has previously spoken publicly about the trial and engaged in media interviews.
Teffo on watching brief
Shortly after the trial began, Advocate Zandile Mshololo, the defense lawyer representing one of the accused men, informed Judge Maumela that Teffo was present in court in the capacity of a watching brief.
Advocate Mshololo did not provide any details regarding Teffo’s role as a watching brief, as he had previously represented four out of the five accused currently on trial.
As a result, Teffo rose from his seat and addressed the judge, clarifying that he was present in court as a watching brief for Sifiso Meyiwa, the brother of Senzo Meyiwa.
“Let me address your lordship, my request to my learned colleague was just to introduce me and then I would stand up and give the reason why I’m here. That’s what I requested from her,” he said.
WATCH: Disbarred advocate Teffo’s request to meet with judge causes delay in Meyiwa murder trial
Judge Maumela told Teffo that addressing the court was unnecessary, citing a previous incident earlier this month when Teffo’s appearance and request to see the judge in chambers caused a delay in trial proceedings.
“I’m asking you to stay put and watch that brief and allow the representatives of the accused to play their role,” said the judge.
‘You are disturbing court’
However, Teffo persisted and engaged in an argument with Judge Maumela, which visibly angered him. The judge then issued a warning, threatening to have Teffo removed from the courtroom, saying that watching briefs are not allowed to address the court.
“You are disturbing court, please sit down or I will order that you should be taken out,” he said.
“You are disturbing us… this is an interruption and it is rude if you ask me. It is a rude interruption, which is unnecessary for our purposes.”
Persisting in his defiance, Teffo continued to speak over the judge, saying that he held a more important role than just a watching brief. However, after a while, he eventually relented and gave up his fight.
Disbarment
It is unclear how Teffo continues to practice law when he was barred from the roll of advocates last year, following an application by the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
The high court in Pretoria had found Teffo accepted money from clients without a brief from an attorney, an act which is not allowed. The court also found he had misled it in different cases where he appeared as counsel.
The LPC had filed a motion in 2021, after it received just over 20 complaints, dating back from 2015, against Teffo, who was admitted as an advocate in 2009.
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