By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
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The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has emphasized that the lawyer, Steven Gqeba, is still suspended and the decision to acquit him is not yet final.
This follows a media report about the attorney’s acquittal, after stealing the settlement money meant for a disabled child.
The LPC’s National Council must still make the ultimate decision on whether to dismiss or overrule the recommendations of the disciplinary committee.
Gqeba is facing the disciplinary committee after stealing his client’s R3.5 million Road Accident Fund (RAF) settlement.
Fullview learnt criminal charges have been laid and he is out on bail.
An LPC statement on Thursday said, “The LPC confirms that Gqeba has not been acquitted and that he remains suspended in terms of the Order of the High Court granted on 8 August 2023, subject to the finalisation of the LPC’s disciplinary processes.
The LPC explained that the Legal Practice Act mandates that it use independent committees for investigations, disciplinary actions, and appeals.
These committees provide recommendations to the LPC’s Provincial and National Councils, with the National Council making final decisions.
Gqeba remains suspended, barred from practising, and denied access to trust account funds pending the LPC investigation.
He faces multiple charges, including misappropriation and other complaints related to Road Accident Fund payments for his clients.