By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Presidency has strongly denied allegations made by former Senzo Meyiwa trial counsel, Advocate Malesela Teffo, that President Cyril Ramaphosa was involved in alleged harassment of the advocate for his role in the trial.
“The Presidency has noted and strongly refutes the false claims made by Teffo that the Presidency is behind his alleged intimidation and subsequent decision to withdraw from the murder trial.
The presidency said it finds the “unsubstantiated and baseless claims” mischievous and harmful to the standing of the office of the president.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the presidency does not participate in criminal investigations or trials and is not involved in any perceived or actual harassment of Teffo.
“As an officer of the court and a professional in the legal fraternity, Teffo must appreciate the level of veracity that is necessary to support such claims about any institution or individual.
“The presidency espouses the values of our constitution and cherishes protection, safety and justice for all,” he said.
Since the beginning of trial, Teffo has been the centre of attention through his conduct and theatrics in the Pretoria high court. He was the first defence lawyer to bring to the attention of the court that there was a second docket in which Kelly Khumalo and all who were in the house where Meyiwa was killed, were the accused.
In a dramatic twist yesterday, Teffo, who represents four of the accused in the trial, withdrew as legal counsel.
Teffo represented Mthobisi Mncube, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi and Mthokoziseni Maphisa.
He said he was withdrawing because of the harassment he received from the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria and the State.
Teffo said that would remain as a watching brief for Meyiwa’s brother.
Meyiwa, who was goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana, was gunned down in October 2014 at the house of the mother of his girlfriend, Khumalo.
The matter was provisionally postponed to August 2 for the accused to find new representatives.