THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) claimed they were not consulted and did not sanction the execution of a warrant of arrest against Advocate Malesela Teffo in court.
Following numerous views and opinions expressed by members of the legal fraternity, the public and various stakeholders within the criminal justice system, the NPA has set the record straight regarding Teffo’s arrest in the North Gauteng High Court in Tshwane on Thursday, 28 April.
Teffo was arrested in a court room in which he appeared as defence counsel of four of the accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial.
NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane said an internal investigation into allegations that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised the investigating officer about the execution of the warrant was conducted.
She said it became apparent that 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 Magistrates Court issued a warrant of arrest on 27 January after Advocate Teffo failed to appear in court on that day.
“The execution of warrants remains the competency of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” she said. Mjonondwane said the NPA remained committed to one of its values of accountability and will continue to promote respect for the rule of law, inclusive of upholding the rights of all accused persons.
Meanwhile, Teffo appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrates Court on Friday, 29 April, on charges of common assault and trespassing and was released on R10 000 bail.
It is alleged that he assaulted a police officer after entering the Gauteng headquarters of the police in contravention of a court order.
Teffo will be back in court on 27 May.
