An undeterred Adv Dali Mpofu has launched a scathing attack on the Legal Practice Council (LPC), accusing it of wasting time by formulating “nonsensical” charges against him and later dropping them.
He dismissed the charges as a politically motivated witch-hunt, but warned he would not be deterred from practicing as a lawyer and defending people who are challenging the status quo.
On Wednesday, the hearings into Mpofu’s alleged misconduct were postponed at the LPC’s offices in Pretoria after the LPC’s Chairperson served him with an amended charges sheet.
In an interview, following the postponement, Mpofu showed signs of being exasperated, adding that “this has been a mighty waste of their time”.
He continued to share that he is so puzzled by a few things, sharing that they only received the amended charge sheet a day before. On record, three charges have been withdrawn and four are left.
Mpofu made his and his legal team’s readiness known. In an interview with the SABC, he stated that “We are here, we are ready and available”.
He added that the next time the LPC wants to “waste their time”, they would be available.
Mpofu thanked his supporters, including his legal team led by Advocate Mawande. He shared that the “whole thing”, referring to the charges against him, is a witch-hunt which is politically motivated, further expressing that some of the charges are laughable.
The advocate further explained that the remaining charges are “nonsensical” and it only a matter of time before they are also withdrawn. “Things like these have been happening,” Mpofu shares. He added that Advocates such Bram Fischer and lawyers like Victoria Mxenge and Oliver Tambo experienced the same issue, where the system did not appreciate how they were practicing.
Mpofu sent a word of encouragement to other black professionals. He emphasised that he would continue to wait and fully co-operate until the matter is solved and finalized.
On Wednesday morning, the proceedings were interrupted due to a power outage as Mpofu was summoned to answer to the charges against him. Despite the delays, proceedings continued.
The charges related to Mpofu’s alleged mistreatment of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela were withdrawn. This came after Maya wrote to the LPC and told the body not to use her name to charge Mpofu, and to remove her from the proceedings.
The senior legal practitioner initially faced seven charges. Some were later withdrawn by the LPC while others were slightly amended.
The inquiry, which was due to start on 30 April, has now been postponed. Mpofu and his lawyers will now be given time to respond to the amended charge sheet. No deadline for this has been set.
