‘An unnecessary use of force’: EFF on Advocate Teffo’s arrest

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has questioned why police took so long to arrest Advocate Malesela Teffo whereas the warrant was reportedly issued in January 2022.

Advocate Teffo was arrested inside the Pretoria High Court and was detained at the Hillbrow Police Station in Johannesburg. He was reportedly arrested for contempt of court in relation to a 2021 charge of trespassing.

Teffo reprents four of the five accused for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa. He was arrested inside the Pretoria High Court on Thursday afternoon.

The Red Berets said it is concerning that the warrant of arrest is reported to have been issued in January 2022, yet the South African Police Service (SAPS) waited for such a sensitive moment to effect the arret, casting doubt and aspersion on a case that has been dragging for over 7 years.

The party also labelled the use of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) as an unnecessary use of force and deliberate attempt to  humiliate him.

“All people are equal before the law and whoever breaks the law should be arrested, however, the Constitution enjoins all of us to treat each other fairly with dignity and respect at all times.

“The conduct of the Police is in contempt of court and a disregard of the long overdue justice to the family of the late Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa and all the accused.”

EFF

During his arrest, Advocate Teffo said he ‘did not know’ why he was being arrested, and claimed that he had not been read his rights at the time.

He also alleged that Police Minister, Bheki Cele and others in power do not want him working on the case and want him to be arrested, however, Cele disputed this and said he did not even know about the arrest.

Teffo is expected to appear before the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.