A bogus lawyer has been sentenced to six years of direct imprisonment after his conviction on multiple charges, including three counts of fraud, one count of theft, two counts of forgery, and two counts of uttering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Johannes Tebogo Motse posed as a legal practitioner – “unlawfully representing unsuspecting clients in various courts during 2022”.
“He forged critical legal documents, including a right of appearance certificate, a fidelity fund certificate and an admission certificate to deceive his victims.
“One of the complainants paid Motse R15 000 to prosecute an appeal. After receiving no legal service, the client reported the matter to the police. Investigations revealed that Motse was not registered with the Legal Practice Council of South Africa,” the NPA said.
He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Rustenburg.
“In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola highlighted the prevalence of such crimes in the court’s jurisdiction and emphasised that the offences were premeditated and meticulously executed.
“The charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering were taken together for sentencing, and he received six years of direct imprisonment. On the charge of theft, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repays the complainant R15 000 by 31 August 2025.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” the NPA said.
Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, said: “These sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to combating bogus legal practitioners and protecting the integrity of the legal profession and the public”. – SAnews.gov.za
