By: Natasha Archary
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has condemned Advocate Malesela Teffo’s arrest last week as disrespectful of the judiciary.
While he did not dispute whether Teffo should have been arrested, Zondo said the manner in which he was arrested was inexcusable.
“The conduct of SAPS in effecting his arrest inside the courtroom and the manner in which the arrest was carried out on a legal practitioner, and therefore, an officer of the court, was an assault on the dignity of the court and the judiciary.”
According to the Chief Justice, police could have waited for Advocate Teffo to leave the courtroom and the court premises before they arrested him.
“After all, as I understand, the warrant of arrest was issued about two months prior and waiting for Teffo to leave the court would not have made any difference.”
Advocate Teffo’s arrest comes during the controversial Senzo Meyiwa murder trial which was resumed in April.
Teffo is the legal representative to four of the five men accused of killing the footballer in in October 2014.
Meanwhile, Teffo is expected to sue the police ministry for contempt of court.
He claims Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commisioner, General Fannie Masemola are involved in his arrest.
Tshepo Thobane, the lawyer representing Teffo said the timing and manner of his client’s arrest is why he has chosen to sue.
Teffo was arrested in full view of media who were present at the Meyiwa trial. A video of his arrest went viral with journalists questioning the arresting officer if they had read Teffo his rights.
His warrant of arrest was due to his failed court appearance in an assault case in which he is accused.
Teffo was released on bail of R10 000 on Friday after making a brief appearance in court.
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