Bogus lawyer cannot cough up
A bogus lawyer, found guilty and sentenced for defrauding people, has appeared in court for failing to pay the fine imposed on him.
LYDENBURG – A bogus lawyer, found guilty and sentenced for defrauding people, has appeared in court for failing to pay the fine imposed on him.
Christopher Mohlala appeared in the local District Court . This was after a warrant was issued for his arrest for not complying with the terms of his sentence. He had been sentenced to a fine of R6 000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Mohlala was arrested for defrauding people by claiming he was a qualified lawyer who could represent them in court.
He had, however, dropped out of law school after completing only two years of a four-year LLB.
When asked if he would like any legal representation, he declined, “I want to conduct my own defence.”
During his previous appearance he promised to pay his fine in instalments, but managed to pay back only R3 000. According to Mohlala this was because he had lost his job after being sentenced.
“I can prove to the court that I have a valid reason for not paying my fine as instructed,” he said.
The accused presented a dismissal letter from his employer but the date on the letter stated that it had been issued before he was sentenced in court.
According to the magistrate a fine can be issued only to a person who can afford to pay.
“Will you please read out loud the date in which you signed your dismissal letter. You were sentenced on May 6 but the letter was issued on April 8,” said the magistrate.
After reading the date out loud he said the people from his previous work place had made a mistake with the date.
According to the accused his previous employer made the mistake while typing the date, because he signed the letter after he was sentenced.
He claimed he also visited the court to explain his difficult circumstances to the clerk of the court but did not receive any assistance.
The magistrate requested that the clerk of the court be called to the stand to testify. When questioned about the day Mohlala went to court for assistance, the clerk denied that he had visited the court.
The accused was instructed to pay the balance of the fine or serve his sentence.
Mohlala could not pay the balance and, according to communications officer Capt Mabokalake Mashabela, he was rearrested.
