An alleged bogus attorney who was wanted on a warrant of arrest was arrested on Friday in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court while appearing on a bail application for an apparent truck hijacking case.
Manuel Mabesa (47), who has been on the run since 2016, was arrested in a Bloemfontein courtroom after receiving bail for an apparent truck hijacking case.
Mabesa was arrested on 9 July 2014 and charged with impersonating a lawyer as well as defeating the administration of justice. The matter was initially set for 21 October 2016 for plea and trial but after being granted bail, Mabesa absconded.
In a statement released by the Hawks, it is alleged that Mabesa had misrepresented himself on several occasions and defended clients in criminal cases whilst he was not qualified to do so. Further investigation revealed that Mabesa had submitted fraudulent university qualifications to be admitted as an advocate.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team pounced on the accused following his appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, after he had been freed on bail for an apparent truck hijacking case. He made a brief court appearance on Monday and the matter has been postponed to 30 May 2019 for bail application. – Seithati Semenokane
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