Unlicensed lawyer escapes prison

By Libuseng Nyaka

HARRISMITH – Thabo Mofutsanyana lawyer Nelson Sello Makwele (45) has been sentenced to pay a fine of R4,000 or nine months in jail for representing a client in the high court without the required credentials.

The sentence was wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar offence in a period of three years.

He was found guilty of defeating the ends of justice by the Harrismith magistrate court on November 21 2024.

Makwele is a qualified registered lawyer with the Legal Practice Council. However, he only qualifies to represent clients in the magistrate court not high court. The case emanated from an incident that took place between 2020 and 2021.Makwele was representing two accused in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court.

During the course of the trial, the case was transferred to the High Court where the prosecutor became suspicious of Makwele’s credentials.

An enquiry was then made to establish whether or not Makwele was certified and admitted to appear in a High Court,” the court heard.

According to the Hawks spokesperson, it was discovered that Makwele did not have the necessary certificate.

The matter was reported to the Hawks for further investigation culminating in his conviction.