Disbarred Advocate in custody on theft, fraud charges

Share the Article:

Disbarred Advocate Malesela Teffo remain in custody facing charges of malicious damage to property, assault and theft following his appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

It alleged that Teffo (53) was renting an office space at Protea Towers, in Pretoria. However, he was prohibited from entering the premises from April 21, 2023.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, on July 29, 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 was recording what was happening, it is alleged that Teffo assaulted him.

“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: NPA decides not be prosecute Fikile Mbalula

Meanwhile, Teffo is said to be facing a charge of fraud of R13 000. This comes after two complainants in the matter approached Teffo for legal assistance on June 9, 2022.

Mahanjana says, Teffo agreed to assist the complainants and asked that 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 that Teffo ignored them. After some time, the complainants reported the matter to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and they were informed that Teffo was no longer in practice. That is when the two reported the matter to the police.” 

Teffo was arrested on Tuesday, August 1, and has been in custody since.

“After his arrest, 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,” Mahanjana added. 

The matter was postponed to Monday, August 7, for confirmation of his address, profiling and possible bail application.