Senzo Meyiwa: SAPS provide new explanation over Advocate Teffo arrest

The Senzo Meyiwa trial was already an extremely high profile case. The trial got even more attention this week when Advocate Teffo, the defence attorney, was arrested while the cameras were rolling in court. Since his arrest, all kinds of rumours circulated. Was it an old or fake warrant, was he left overnight in a cell with no warm clothes? Was his arrest even legal or was it just a piece of politics? The Police are now trying to deliver answers.

Senzo Meyiwa trial: Police release report on Advocate Teffo arrest

In a statement released on Saturday, SAPS revealed that the arrest of Advocate Malesela Teffo has been fully investigated.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is now looking to shed some light and context on the arrest.

The SAPS’s report reveals that Advocate Teffo was previously arrested on charges of assault and trespassing. These charges are in relation to him allegedly assaulting a female police officer. He also contravened a high court interdict that barred him from entering the SAPS Gauteng Provincial building.

Teffo was supposed to appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court several times in relation to the charges. He missed the appearances including one at the end of January this year.

“Advocate Teffo was aware that a warrant of arrest had been issued as he had contacted the Investigating Officer in this regard, proof of which the SAPS is in possession of. “

Following the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Investigating Officer-involved decided to execute the warrant of arrest upon the adjournment of the Senzo Meyiwa trial. Advocate Teffo is representing four of the five accused.

Once the arrest took place, police say it was Teffo who refused to cooperate.

“It is important to highlight that after informing the Advocate of the execution of the warrant of arrest and informing him of his rights, the Advocate went back into the court room. The Investigating Officer then followed him back inside the court room in a bid to ensure that the latter complies with the contents of the warrant of arrest. Advocate Teffo did not cooperate with the Investigating Officer which warranted the call for the assistance of the Tactical Response Team.”

SAPS Spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe

Teffo out on R10 000 bail

SAPS management concludes the report by insisting that Teffor’s arrest was all above board. The warrant involved CERTAINLY was real. Advocate Teffo is currently out on R10 000 bail and is set to next appear in court on the 27th of May.

There you have it folks. According to the SAPS, the arrest was a normal decision taken by the Investigating Officer involved.