When you hire a lawyer to handle your estate or financial matters, the last thing you expect is for them to misuse your money.
But that’s exactly what authorities in Bloemfontein believe happened in a shocking case involving a 47-year-old practising attorney.
The lawyer is now facing a long list of charges after allegedly misusing millions that were meant to be protected in trust.
What the Investigation Has Revealed So Far
According to Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein has been working the case.
The attorney was entrusted with around R6 million in cash from an estate, but instead of holding the money in a designated trust account—as required by law—she reportedly transferred it into her own personal account.
The fallout? The complainant ended up losing approximately R3.4 million, sparking criminal charges that include fraud, theft, money laundering, and violating the Attorneys Act.
Another Serious Violation: No Fidelity Fund Certificate
As the case unfolded, investigators discovered an additional red flag—the lawyer had allegedly been practising without a fidelity fund certificate.
This document is essential because it offers financial protection to clients in the event of theft by legal practitioners.
Without it, the safety net that should’ve been in place simply didn’t exist.
The seriousness of the case led the Hawks to register a criminal docket and eventually serve the attorney with a formal court summons.
She is expected to appear soon in Bloemfontein Magistrates Court to answer to the charges.
Earlier This Year, Another Lawyer Landed in Trouble Too
This isn’t the first time legal professionals have been caught on the wrong side of the law in recent months.
Earlier this year in Limpopo, the Hawks also arrested a 35-year-old attorney involved in a rather bizarre incident—helping a suspect escape police custody.
Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa explained that the initial suspect had been arrested for vehicle theft and was in handcuffs when his attorney allegedly sped off with him in the lawyer’s own vehicle.
The move not only stunned police officers on the scene but also led to criminal charges against the attorney.
The Hawks Are Not Holding Back
Major General Gopz Govender, who heads the Hawks in Limpopo, welcomed the swift arrest of the second attorney.
He made it clear that interfering with police operations won’t be tolerated, no matter who you are.
His strong statement serves as a warning to other legal professionals who might be tempted to abuse their positions of trust.
Public Reactions and the Bigger Question
With two attorneys now facing serious criminal charges in different provinces, a bigger conversation is emerging: Should lawyers accused of such conduct be allowed to continue practising law?
These are people who are supposed to uphold justice and safeguard client interests—yet their actions are raising doubts about oversight in the legal system.
What do you think? Should attorneys under criminal investigation be temporarily suspended from practice until their cases are resolved?