The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has dismissed reports that controversial advocate Malesela Teffo has been reinstated or readmitted to the legal profession.
The clarification comes after reports emerged that Teffo had purportedly appeared for five accused people in the high-profile Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala attempted murder trial currently before the Johannesburg High Court.
READ: Teffo stopped from representing Matlala co-accused in attempted murder trial
Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Mabusela and Nthabiseng Nzama are facing 25 charges, including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, Matalala’s ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane and DJ Vettys.
Teffo addressing the court
On Monday, Teffo told the court that he represented the five as their rights were violated by the state (he did not state which rights).
He stated that he was in good standing with the LPC as an advocate, ready to represent the five pro-bono. However, before he could continue, the presiding judge, Cassim Moosa, told Teffo that he needed to present before court proof that he had been reinstated.
LPC distances itself from Teffo
In a statement, LPC spokesperson Kabelo Letebele said Teffo remains struck from the roll of legal practitioners and is not authorised to practise law in South Africa.
“The LPC has noted with concern a number of media reports and social media posts incorrectly suggesting that Mr Malesela Teffo has been reinstated or readmitted to the legal profession,” Letebele said.
“The LPC wishes to categorically state that these reports are incorrect. Mr Teffo remains struck from the roll of legal practitioners and has not been readmitted to the legal profession. He is, therefore, not entitled to practise as a legal practitioner in South Africa.”
The council said any application for re-admission is subject to a formal process in terms of the Legal Practice Act and the regulatory framework governing the profession.
READ: Controversial lawyer Teffo enters Mkhwanazi battle
The council further confirmed that no matter concerning Teffo’s possible re-admission had been considered or approved.
“The LPC confirms that no such matter, relating to Mr Malesela Teffo’s possible re-admission, has been considered or approved by the council, and accordingly, no decision has been taken supporting Mr Teffo’s re-admission to the legal profession,” Letebele said.
The council urged members of the public to verify claims about the status of legal practitioners through official LPC communication channels before publishing or relying on unverified information.
The LPC said it remained committed to protecting the public and upholding the integrity, independence and credibility of South Africa’s legal profession.
Why is Teffo disbarred?
Teffo was struck off the roll and barred from practicing law on September 16, 2022. This was after multiple complaints of professional misconduct, including dishonesty, unprofessional behaviour in court, and financial malpractices.
- The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has confirmed that advocate Malesela Teffo has not been reinstated or readmitted to practice law in South Africa.
- Teffo appeared in court representing five accused in the Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala attempted murder trial but was ordered to provide proof of reinstatement before continuing.
- The accused linked to the trial face 25 charges, including attempted murder and conspiracy related to attacks on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and others.
- Malesela Teffo was struck off the roll of legal practitioners on September 16, 2022, due to professional misconduct allegations including dishonesty and financial malpractice.
- The LPC stated no application for Teffo’s re-admission has been considered or approved, emphasizing the need for public verification of legal practitioners' status through official channels.
READ: Teffo stopped from representing Matlala co-accused in attempted murder trial
Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Musa Kekana, Tiego Mabusela and
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He stated that he was in good standing with the LPC as an advocate, ready to represent the five pro-bono. However, before he could continue, the presiding judge, Cassim Moosa, told Teffo that he needed to present before court proof that he had been reinstated.
In a statement, LPC spokesperson Kabelo Letebele said Teffo remains struck from the roll of legal practitioners and is not authorised to practise law in
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READ: Controversial lawyer Teffo enters
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Teffo was struck off the roll and barred from practicing law on
