Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo to remain behind bars

Teffo made his first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Thursday, following his arrest on charges of malicious damage to property, assault and theft.  

The 53-year-old Teffo became a household name while representing four of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.

He later pulled a dramatic withdrawal from the case, citing harassment and threats.

In September last year, Teffo was struck off the roll of advocates by the High Court in Pretoria due to unethical and dishonest practices.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says Teffo was allegedly renting office space at Protea Towers, a building owned by City Property. 

He was barred from entering the building in April. 

"It is alleged that 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," says Mahanjana. 

"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."

Mahajana says Teffo is also facing a charge of fraud in a separate matter. 

" It is alleged that on 9 June 2022, the two complainants in the matter approached Teffo for legal assistance.  

"It is alleged that 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," she adds.

Mahanjana says the court also heard that Teffo refused to cooperate with the police after his arrest.

"He 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," says Mahanjana.

The case has been postponed to 7 August for confirmation of his address, profiling, and possible bail application.  

ALSO READ