An attorney has been disbarred by the Western Cape High Court following multiple complaints of dishonesty and the misappropriation of client funds.
An attorney has been disbarred from the roll of legal practitioners at the Western Cape High Court after complaints of his conduct and the misappropriation of funds were investigated by the South African Legal Practice Council (LPC).
Four complaints were lodged against Sindiso Kondlo (Mr K) but the court highlighted in its ruling that it would not be surprised that more people were defrauded by him and failed to account for the funds to clients.
High Court Judge Julia Anderssen said the degree of the lawyer's dishonesty did not warrant suspension from the roll.
“Dishonesty strikes at the heart of an attorney’s fitness to practice. Blatantly continuing with dishonest conduct, which included misrepresentations to various clients and misappropriating their funds, while under investigation, displays an arrogant disregard for the law and his ethical obligations. We do not believe that a suspension from practice for a specified period will suffice. We say so with due regard to the nature of the conduct complained of.
