ARRESTED DUE TO LACK OF COOPERATION.
Defence lawyer in the Senzo Meyiwa’s murder trial Advocate Malesela Teffo appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on Friday after a warrant of arrest was actioned for him at the Pretoria High Court on Thursday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says Teffo has several pending cases against him that are being consolidated by officials.
Police say the dramatic arrest in the High Court in Pretoria was due to him not cooperating with the investigating officer. The arrest happened after the court had just adjourned the matter. Teffo appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrate Court in Johannesburg on Friday, where he was released on R10 000 bail.
Teffo was arrested on Thursday on the sideline of the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. He’s representing four of the accused in the matter.
He is facing charges of trespassing and common assault. Police say there was an intention to execute the warrant of arrest outside the courtroom. As soon as the court adjourned the investigating officer approached Teffo who police say was making his way towards the court door. After informing Teffo of the execution of the warrant and of his rights, the advocate went back into the courtroom and the officer followed him.
National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says, “Advocate Teffo did not cooperate with the investigating officer, which warranted the call for the assistance of the Tactical Response Team members who were already posted in the same court for escort duties. ”Ultimately it was ruled that it was in the interests of justice that Teffo be granted bail as he was afforded an opportunity to prepare his case.
