Court disbars ‘dishonest, irresponsible’ Malesela Teffo
Numerous complaints made against Malesela Teffo has seen the High Court in Pretoria striking him from the roll of advocates.
Teffo is accused of misconduct, fraud, theft, and the misappropriation of client funds amongst others.
The court found that Teffo is not a fit and proper person and for him to continue practicing law would involve danger to the public.
The applicant, the Legal Practice Council, argued that Teffo had brought the legal profession into disrepute.
"The respondent misled the courts on a number of occasions, he was even contentious in a number of instances. He breached a court order of Judge Fisher by threatening a police officer and was subsequently arrested and released on bail. He consulted with clients without acceptance of a brief from an attorney, instead, he accepted the brief directly from clients."
"He accepted payments directly from the clients without a receipt, he also utilised attorney details without their concern. He also assaulted and intimidated members of SAPS and is being investigated for corruption activities." said Judge Thembi Bokako
Teffo has been ordered to surrender his certificate of enrolment as a legal practitioner to the registrar of the court.
He is also prohibited from handling or operating on his banking accounts used in receiving monies from clients.
Teffo became a household name after his dramatic withdrawal as defence lawyer in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
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