From advocate to accused: Teffo faces fraud and theft charges

The tables have truly turned for well-known and disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo. This is as he found himself at the receiving end of the judiciary, having to appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. 

Malesela, who is renowned for his controversial contribution as a defence lawyer in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, was arrested on Tuesday, 1 August 2023. He had been under police custody, awaiting his court appearance where he was charged. 

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According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Teffo “refused to cooperate with the police” following his arrest, by refusing to provide his personal address and take his fingerprints for profiling purposes. 

Following this revelation, it is understood that the magistrate has since ordered him to cooperate with the state by providing the required information as requested. 

The 53 year old disbarred advocate appeared in court for two dockets that each cite their own charges, including theft, malicious damage to property and fraud. 

ALSO READ: Erstwhile advocate Malesela Teffo ‘arrested’ on fraud, assault charges [watch]

MALESELA TEFFO APPEARS IN COURT FOR TWO DOCKETS 

According to the NPA, the first docket is in relation to an office space that Teffo was allegedly renting. It is understood that he was not allowed to enter this space from 21 April 2023, and it’s alleged that he did not comply with this. 

Allegations further indicate that on 29 July 2023, Teffo went to the premises without permission, alongside someone from a locksmith, where he forcibly entered. This, at the objection of the building’s security. 

One of the security officials on duty on the day was recording the events when he was allegedly assaulted by Teffo, which prompted him to report the matter to the police. 

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“When he returned to the scene, Teffo was already gone and took the door handle with him”- NPA Regional Spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana 

Following the alleged incident, Teffo faces charges of malicious damage to property, assault and theft. 

The second docket sees him face a fraud charge of R13 000 following allegations by two complainants that they had been defrauded R6 500 each after agreeing to receive legal advice from him. 

It is alleged that Teffo agreed to arrange a consultation with the pair if they made the payment to his personal account, of which they claim he did not do.

According to the complainants, they reported the matter to the Legal Practice Council (LPC), where they were made aware that Teffo was no longer in practice, which prompted them to report the matter to the police. 

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A WEEKEND IN POLICE CUSTODY AWAITS 

Following Teffo’s appearance in court, the matter was postponed to Monday in what the NPA has described as to “confirm his address, profiling and possible bail application”.