Saps, Teffo ‘at odds’

ARREST: NOT US, SAYS NPA

Politicians complicit in charging wrong people, alleges lawyer.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has clarified the details surrounding the high-profile arrest of advocate Malesela Teffo, claiming its director of public prosecutions (DPP) for Gauteng was not consulted and did not sanction the execution of the warrant of arrest in court.

This follows an uproar from the legal fraternity, the public and various stakeholders within the criminal justice system.

NPA regional spokesperson for Gauteng Phindi Mjonondwane said: “The DPP was not aware of the execution of the warrant, nor did his office approve that the warrant be executed in or at court. The Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant of arrest on 27 January after Teffo failed to appear in court. The execution of warrants remains the competency of the Saps.”

Teffo, who is representing four suspects accused of murdering Bafana Bafana soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, had just wrapped up proceedings for the day when several heavily armed police officers surrounded and handcuffed him.

The South African Police Service (Saps) said Teffo was aware a warrant had been issued against him for missing court appearances after being charged with common assault and trespassing.

Teffo has reportedly been a thorn in the side of Saps management for a while. He recently took on two high-profile criminal matters in which he alleges police and politicians are complicit in charging the wrong people: his clients. –