Disbarred lawyer Malesela Teffo gets major new role — Head of Intelligence at FOSA

Malesela Teffo

Johannesburg – Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo has been appointed as Head of Intelligence at the civil organisation Forum for South Africa (FOSA), which announced the move on Tuesday.​

Teffo rose to prominence as a defence attorney in the high‑profile Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, but later stepped down after a public arrest and a 2022 decision by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) to strike him off the roll of advocates, a move he disputes.

The LPC’s provincial director, Johan van Staden, clarified that the decision to disbar Teffo was not related to his conduct in the Meyiwa case, but had already been set in motion in 2019.​

In 2022, Teffo also opened a case against EFF leader Julius Malema, which the party dismissed as an attention‑seeking move. He has also been linked to other controversies, including an alleged break‑in incident where he reportedly refused to cooperate with police.

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FOSA said that Teffo brings “vast and proven experience in policing, intelligence, and the legal fraternity” to his new role as Head of Intelligence.

Spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane said his background in law enforcement and criminal investigations makes him a valuable asset in strengthening FOSA’s capacity to combat corruption and criminality.

“Teffo brings vast and proven experience in policing, intelligence, and the legal fraternity. His extensive background in law enforcement and criminal investigations positions him as a valuable asset in strengthening FOSA’s capacity to combat corruption and criminality,” said Mashilompane. ​

He highlighted that Teffo is widely known for representing accused persons in the Senzo Meyiwa murder case, a matter that exposed serious systemic failures in the criminal justice system and underscored the need for accountability and reform.​

In his role, Teffo will work closely with retired police detectives who are already conducting independent investigations for FOSA. This collaboration is meant to boost the organisation’s intelligence‑gathering capabilities and support efforts to uncover corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power.​

FOSA said Teffo’s appointment comes at a crucial moment in South Africa’s fight against corruption and reinforces its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.

The organisation remains “resolute” in defending the interests of the people and holding those in power accountable.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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