The North West High Court has handed down a hefty 20-year prison sentence to Kagiso Josias Selomane, a 45-year-old man from Rustenburg, after finding him guilty of posing as a lawyer and swindling unsuspecting clients out of more than R1 million over a four-year period.
Selomane’s elaborate scheme, which ran between 2011 and 2015, targeted people in vulnerable situations—many seeking urgent legal assistance in divorce proceedings, labour disputes, and even estate matters. He successfully manipulated his victims into believing he had the authority, skills, and experience to represent them in court, while in reality, he had no legal qualifications whatsoever.
Elaborate Fraud Disguised as Legal Representation
According to evidence presented during trial, Selomane marketed himself as a practicing attorney, often meeting clients in professional settings and charging them substantial fees for legal services. He even went as far as posing as an executor of estates on behalf of a bank, a role that requires strict legal and financial oversight.
His confidence and presentation skills were so convincing that several victims entrusted him with large sums of money, believing he was fighting for their best interests. Incredibly, he managed to win 16 cases, further cementing the illusion that he was a legitimate legal practitioner. These victories made his scam harder to detect, as satisfied clients unknowingly endorsed his services to others.
Victims Left in Financial and Emotional Ruin
While some clients initially benefited from his courtroom performances, many were left devastated once his fraudulent operations came to light. Several victims lost not only their hard-earned money but also precious time in their legal battles. Some divorce cases dragged on for years, while labour disputes worsened, leaving families in distress.
One victim, who had entrusted Selomane with her divorce proceedings, discovered only later that her supposed legal representative had been unregistered all along. “I paid him everything I had because I believed he was helping me secure custody of my children. Instead, he used my situation for his own gain,” she told investigators.
The financial loss, estimated at over R1 million, represents not just fees for fake legal services, but also funds allegedly misused under the guise of estate administration.
Court Condemns Lack of Remorse
During sentencing, the court took note of the premeditated nature of Selomane’s crimes. Prosecutors argued that his actions were not impulsive but rather carefully planned to exploit vulnerable people over an extended period.
Judge remarks highlighted that Selomane showed no remorse for his actions and continued to downplay the seriousness of his crimes, even after being exposed. “This was not a mistake or a lapse in judgment. It was a deliberate betrayal of trust, carried out repeatedly with no regard for the lives destroyed,” the presiding judge stated.
The heavy 20-year sentence, according to the court, sends a strong message that fraud under the guise of professional expertise—particularly in fields as sensitive as law—will not be tolerated.
Authorities Warn Against Fake Practitioners
The case has sparked renewed warnings from the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and law enforcement agencies, urging South Africans to always verify the credentials of anyone offering legal services. The LPC maintains a public database where clients can confirm whether an attorney or advocate is duly registered.
“Cases like this highlight the importance of due diligence,” an LPC spokesperson said. “Before handing over money or sensitive information, people must confirm that the individual is authorized to practice. Sadly, fraudsters often thrive on urgency and desperation, which makes it easier for them to exploit clients.”
A Cautionary Tale
For Rustenburg residents and South Africans at large, the Selomane case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of professional fraud. While the victims may never fully recover from their losses, the 20-year sentence provides some sense of justice and closure.
As the gavel fell in the courtroom, it marked not only the end of Selomane’s fraudulent career but also a warning to others who might consider similar schemes: the law eventually catches up, and the consequences are severe.
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