BOGUS ATTORNEY SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT
21 July 2025
BOGUS ATTORNEY SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT
Rustenburg, North West – The Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Rustenburg has sentenced Johannes Tebogo Motse (43) to six years of direct imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges, including three counts of fraud, one count of theft, two counts of forgery, and two counts of uttering.
Motse was convicted of posing as a legal practitioner and unlawfully representing unsuspecting clients in various courts between 17 February and 15 November 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.
Motse pleaded guilty to all charges. 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 court sentenced Motse as follows: 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.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Advocate Ramakgaphola for finalising the matter. “These sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to combating bogus legal practitioners and protecting the integrity of the legal profession and the public,” said Dr Makhari.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
📱 078 172 9367