Arrest of legal practitioner Malesela Teffo

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) is dismayed at the manner in which legal practitioner Malesela Teffo was arrested in the Gatueng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on 28 April 2022.

Mr Teffo was arrested in court, in full view of the media and the circumstances that led to him being arrested in this manner are still unclear.

Mr Teffo was performing his duties, as the officer of the court, representing the four men accused of murder in the case of footballer, Senzo Meyiwa.

The President of the LSSA, Mabaeng Lenyai noted that: “The shameful manner in which Mr Teffo was arrested is unfortunate, however, it is comforting that he has been granted bail. We can only assume that he was arrested in court and in the presence of the media as an intimidation tactic. The LSSA condemns any acts of intimidation on anyone who is an officer of the court. This wanton act is an affront to the Rule of Law and our Constitution, which requires all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect”.

The LSSA brings together the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and the Provincial Attorneys’ Associations, in representing the attorneys’ profession in South Africa.

 

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, Ms Mabaeng Lenyai

LSSA Communication: Mapula Oliphant
Tel:      (012) 366 8808
Cell:     076 026 5997