JUSTICE IN JEOPARDY: FAKE LAWYER’S CASES PUT COURT RULINGS IN QUESTION
Rustenburg – The Tlhabane Magistrate Court has postponed the case against Teboho Johannes Motse (41) to 15 November 2024 to allow him time to secure legal representation, enabling the court to proceed with his bail application.
Motse was arrested by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, for charges of uttering, forgery, and contravening the Legal Practice Act, 2014. The postponement followed his brief court appearance on 14 November 2024, after his initial legal representative failed to appear.
According to court records, Motse is accused of posing as an attorney and conducting legal duties without proper credentials. Investigations revealed that he appeared in court as a legal representative on 26 September 2023 in Tlhabane, issuing instructions and executing proceedings without being registered under Act 28 of 2014.
Further probes unveiled that on 30 January 2023, Motse unlawfully represented clients, obstructing justice by posing as a qualified attorney. He allegedly presented a forged certificate of admission and offered legal services at the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court, handling both civil and criminal matters despite lacking the necessary qualifications.
A case was registered in July 2023, leading to his arrest and initial appearance in the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 8 November 2024. Motse remains in custody while investigations continue.
The allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity of cases he previously handled. With his credentials now under scrutiny, many are questioning whether the rulings in those matters will stand or be reopened for review.
