By Staff Reporter
QWAQWA – Disbarred advocate Lerata Shadrack Mashee (50) is set to reappear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, money laundering and contravening the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014.
Mashee made a brief court appearance on Monday, 23 February.He had allegedly been on the run since September 2025 before being arrested on 23 February 2026 in Botshabelo.
Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Tactical Response Team and Crime Intelligence tracked him down to a hideout.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said several complaints were lodged with the Legal Practice Council and the Hawks.
“It is alleged that between 2019 and 2022, victims paid a combined R890,000 into the accused’s bank accounts after responding to property advertisements in a local newspaper. Mashee acted as the supposed conveyancer.
“Victims became suspicious when they were unable to take occupancy of the houses. It was later established that the accused was not authorised to act as a conveyancer,” Mohobeleli said.