LPC hopes for speedy arrest of disbarred advocate, Teffo

The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has issued an arrest warrant for disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo. This follows his unexpected appearance at the Johannesburg High Court during the attempted murder trial of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four others, where Teffo attempted to address the presiding judge. Ignatius Briel, director for the LPC in Gauteng, confirms that Teffo has been struck from the roll and cannot legally practice as a lawyer in South Africa.

The LPC is collaborating with the police to locate Teffo, having already obtained a contempt order against him for breaching the original order striking him from the roll. A warrant for his arrest has been issued, and Briel's team is working to ensure its swift execution by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

To be readmitted to the legal profession after suspension, an individual must submit a formal application to the LPC, demonstrating their rehabilitation and addressing the issues that led to their striking. This application is assessed by the council of the specific province and, if necessary, sent to the National Council for further consideration.

The entire process, from application to court hearing, can take up to six months. After this period, the applicant must convince the court of their rehabilitation before being readmitted. Teffo has been instructed to provide proof of his legal entitlement to practice and proper re-admission before making any further court applications.