LSSA condemns attorney’s unacceptable behaviour towards journalist

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) condemns the reported behaviour of former Eskom evidence leader, Pretoria attorney Sebetja Matsaung, towards Financial Mail deputy editor, Sikonathi Mantshantsha on Friday

‘It is unacceptable for an attorney to treat a member of the media – and indeed anyone – in the manner alleged in this incident. An attorney is an officer of the court and a member of the attorneys’ profession. As such he must, first and foremost, maintain the highest standards of integrity, and refrain from doing anything which could or might bring the attorneys’ profession into disrepute. A practitioner who fails to do so could be found guilty of unprofessional and/or dishonourable and/or unworthy conduct,’ say LSSA Co-Chairpersons Walid Brown and David Bekker.

Mr Mantshantsha can lodge a complaint with the Law Society of the Northern Provinces, the statutory regulatory body for Gauteng attorneys.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, WALID BROWN AND DAVID BEKKER
by the Law Society of South Africa Communication Department
Contact: Barbara Whittle, Communication Manager, barbara@LSSA.org.za (012) 366 8800 or 083 380 1307
Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele, Communications Officer, nomfundom@LSSA.org.za Tel: (012) 366 8800 or 072 402 6344.