Ex-lawyer, branded ‘pathological liar’ given  seven years jail term

The Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Palm Ridge has made a decisive ruling in the case of Sello Mabena, a former attorney who has been sentenced to seven years direct imprisonment for theft.

The court described Mabena as a ‘pathological liar’ due to his consistent dishonesty throughout the proceedings.

The investigation into Mabena’s activities was sparked by a report from the complainant, which led to Captain Moabelo uncovering evidence pointing to Mabena’s fraudulent activities.

It was revealed that Mabena, who had been struck off the roll of practising attorneys in 2007, had misappropriated over R1.3 million from the estate of the late Phyllis Debie Tepper.

Mabena had been appointed as the administrator of Tepper’s estate, but it was discovered that his appointment was fraudulent.

He transferred the funds into his own bank account and used the money for personal expenses, including salaries for his company, Banchivis Property Holdings.

The investigation also revealed that the alleged executor of the estate, Ben Lepley, had passed away in 2015 and was not married, as claimed by Mabena during the appointment process.

Despite pleading not guilty, Mabena was found guilty of fabricating documents and forging signatures to acquire the stolen funds.

Senior State Advocate William Nonyana emphasised the deliberate nature of Mabena’s actions and his consistent dishonesty throughout the case

The court’s ruling reflects the NPA’s commitment to fighting corruption and holding individuals accountable for abusing their positions for personal gain.