Teffo disrupts Matlala trial as court demands proof he can represent accused

The trial-within-a-trial in the case against alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused, took an unexpected turn at the Johannesburg High Court on Monday when struck-off advocate, Malesela Teffo, attempted to address the court.

Teffo claimed he was appearing on behalf of all five accused through an entity he identified as the Malesela Teffo Probation Foundation, alleging serious constitutional violations against the accused.

His appearance was immediately challenged by the defence teams, who objected to what they described as an unnecessary of valuable court time.

The court is currently hearing evidence on the admissibility of items seized following the arrest of accused number one, Musa Kekana. His defence alleges that he was severely tortured by police.

– Defence objects to Teffo’s appearance –

Lawyers representing the accused told the court that their clients were paying for legal representation and objected to Teffo taking up court time and interfering with the proceedings.

The defence further reminded Judge Cassim Moosa of a July 2026 statement by the Legal Practice Council confirming that Teffo remains struck off the roll and has no legal standing to represent clients.

Teffo was struck off the roll of advocates in September 2022 following complaints brought before the Legal Practice Council.

Despite this, Teffo insisted that he remains a member in good standing with the LPC.

Judge Moosa then ordered Teffo to produce documentary proof of his alleged readmission by the High Court before any application could be entertained.

The judge also noted the agitation among the accused following the disruption.

The LPC has previously confirmed that Teffo remains struck off the roll and is legally prohibited from representing clients, despite his July 2026 acquittal in a criminal matter.

– Medical evidence on Kekana’s condition –

Later in the proceedings, the State presented medical records relating to Kekana’s health in the weeks before his arrest.

Medical expert, Dr Pooja Panicker, told the court that Kekana had been admitted to hospital in March 2024 after losing consciousness and suffering respiratory failure, allegedly following excessive alcohol consumption and cocaine use.

The records indicate that he was treated for the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Panicker explained to the court that alcohol poisoning can reduce a person’s level of consciousness and depress the central nervous system.

She said this can affect multiple organs and may also cause a patient to vomit.

Panicker assessed Kekana following his arrest in April 2024 and is testifying in the trial-within-a-trial examining the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

The defence alleges that Kekana was severely assaulted by police at his Bramley home shortly after his arrest.

The State is seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding Kekana’s physical condition and the evidence obtained following his arrest.

The trial-within-a-trial continues on Tuesday.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe