Fake Lawyer Jailed 20 Years In Real Life “Suits” Scandal
The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court has sentenced imposter Kagiso Josias Selomane (45) to 20 years’ direct imprisonment after he was found guilty of posing as a lawyer. The shocking case has been compared to the hit TV show Suits, where a character, Mike Ross, faked his way into the legal world. But unlike the drama series, Selomane’s story ended behind bars.
A four-year scam
According to Justice, Crime Prevention and Security, investigations revealed that between 2011 and 2015, Selomane masqueraded as a legal practitioner in courts across North West and Johannesburg.
The statement read:
“He misled victims into believing that he was a qualified lawyer who could represent them in divorce and labour matters, and even pretended to be an executor of a major bank.”
His method was simple but cruel. He demanded upfront payments for services he never delivered. In some cases, clients were duped into sitting in empty courtrooms after being told their cases had been postponed. Over the four years, he pocketed more than R1 million (about US$55,000).
Selomane was arrested on 20 October 2015 after his victims finally reported him to the police.
Harsh sentence handed down
Although Selomane initially pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud, State Advocate Rodger Mareume argued the plea was not sincere. Mareume said:
“He showed no remorse and failed to repay the victims.”
Magistrate Samuel Mabogo emphasised that the crimes were carefully planned and executed over several years. He also noted Selomane’s previous convictions for fraud dating back to 2017.
The court handed down the following sentences: 12 years, 10 years, 10 years, 4 years, 3 years, 4 years, 3 years, 3 years, and 5 years. Some will run concurrently under Section 280 of Act 51 of 1977, resulting in an effective 20-year term. Selomane was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Public reaction and comparisons
News of the sentencing spread quickly, drawing comparisons with other imposters. Many recalled the saga of fake doctor Matthew Lani in South Africa, who sparked outrage after posing as a medical professional.
One user on X commented:
“Useless child rapists get away scot free… this dude gets 20… mxm.”
Another wrote:
“Damn, we grew up playing soccer with this guy, and somehow, I thought he was a qualified lawyer.”
Others highlighted what they saw as irony.
“Now that’s a perfect irony,” wrote one.
Some expressed frustration at sentencing laws.
“Is it an obligation for sentences to run concurrently? Why not one after the other?”
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The post Real Life “Suits” Goes Wrong: Imposter Sentenced To 20 Years For Posing As Lawyer appeared first on iHarare News.
